• by Joe Mandese  @mp_joemandese, March 6, 2019

The Democratic National Committee has decided to exclude Fox News Channel from televising any of its candidates' debates during the 2019-2020 following an explosive story published by The New Yorker magazine about the cable network's incestuous connection to the White House.

The DNC's decision, first reported by The Washington Post, explicitly cites the magazine's article.

“I believe that a key pathway to victory is to continue to expand our electorate and reach all voters. That is why I have made it a priority to talk to a broad array of potential media partners, including Fox News," DNC Chairman Tom Perez said in a statement to The Washington Post.

“Recent reporting in The New Yorker on the inappropriate relationship between President Trump, his administration and Fox News has led me to conclude that the network is not in a position to host a fair and neutral debate for our candidates," he continued, adding, "Therefore, Fox News will not serve as a media partner for the 2020 Democratic primary debates.”

“We hope the DNC will reconsider its decision to bar Chris Wallace, Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, all of whom embody the ultimate journalistic integrity and professionalism, from moderating a Democratic presidential debate," Fox News Senior Vice President and Managing Editor - Washington Bill Sammon said in a statement responding to the DNC's decision, adding, "They’re the best debate team in the business and they offer candidates an important opportunity to make their case to the largest TV news audience in America, which includes many persuadable voters.”