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Obama Relents, Will Appear on Fox News

After 2 years, candidate agrees to do Wallace's right-wing talk show

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 25, 2008 7:35 AM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama will appear on "Fox News Sunday" this weekend, ending a two-year disagreement between the candidate and the right-wing channel. Obama had promised to appear on the program in 2006, but his campaign has repeatedly cited scheduling conflicts to avoid an appearance. Fox News is crediting its "Obama Watch," which will hit 772 days on Sunday's episode, with changing the senator's mind.

Fox News's clock, reminiscent of a ticking time bomb, appeared on every episode to highlight Obama's avoidance of the program. "It may have been obnoxious, but it was also effective," said anchor Chris Wallace. But the Los Angeles Times speculates that it was Obama's weak showing in Pennsylvania more than any TV special effect that persuaded him it was time to appear.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks during an appearance at the UFCW convention in Chicago, Thursday, April 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Barack Obama listens as he sits at the Sunrise Cafe in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Barack Obama waits behind the curtain to speak at a town hall meeting at Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center Arena in Beckley, W.V. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

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Chris Wallace inaugurates the "Obama Watch" on Fox News Sunday. (joriet101)

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Obama Relents, Will Appear on Fox News