Progressives Court Fox's 2.5 Million Viewers, Scoring Gains and Stumbles
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Aug 29
Progressives Court Fox's 2.5 Million Viewers, Scoring Gains and Stumbles
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Aug 29
Summary
Abdul El-Sayed’s latest Fox News appearance highlighted a broader left-wing push to use the conservative network as a general-election megaphone after a string of primary wins.
2.5 million primetime viewers make Fox hard to ignore for progressives who want to reach voters outside their base, test their message under hostile questioning and raise the movement’s visibility.
El-Sayed’s clash with Jesse Watters offered a model supporters favor: stay combative, redirect to core themes and use even brief airtime like a campaign ad.
The strategy carries clear downside because shaky answers can be clipped instantly; DSA co-chair Megan Romer drew backlash this month after one-word replies on replacing the presidency and Supreme Court.
Progressives and allied strategists still say the payoff outweighs the risk if candidates are disciplined, prepared and able to keep interviews focused on their own platform.