Fox’s Rupert Murdoch to Host Fundraiser for Hillary Clinton

In a stunning example of politics making strange bedfellows, conservative media mogul Rupert Murdoch, whose News Corporation owns Fox News and the New York Post, is rumored to be about to host a fundraising event for Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY). As reported by the Financial Times: “The decision underlines an incongruous thawing of relations between Mr Murdoch and Mrs Clinton, who in 1998 coined the phrase ‘vast rightwing conspiracy’ to denounce critics of her husband, such as Fox News, the conservative cable channel owned by Mr Murdoch’s News Corporation.”

The article made it clear that this is about Hillary's senatorial ambitions and not those for the White House:

“One person involved in the event said it reflected his views of her as a senator, rather than as a presidential candidate. ‘They have a respectful and cordial relationship. He has respect for the work she has done on behalf of New York. I wouldn’t say it was illustrative of a close ongoing relationship. It is not like they are dining out together.’”

Apparently, this reflects some aggressive campaigning for Murdoch’s affections by Clinton and her husband:

“The decision reflects an assiduous courtship by Mrs Clinton and former President Bill Clinton. Last month Mrs Clinton surprised Washington by attending the ‘Fox News Sunday’ 10th anniversary party, where she chatted with Mr Murdoch.

“Mr Clinton has encouraged Mr Murdoch’s involvement with his Global Initiative and has invited him to speak again at the second forum in September. The former president will also address News Corp’s summer conference.”