Despite some backlash to former President Donald Trump speaking during a Q&A session at the National Association of Black Journalists (NAJB) Conference on Wednesday, Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner — who was one of the moderators during the Q&A — said she saw much of the audience enjoying the opportunity to hear from Trump.
The NAJB released a statement before the Q&A defending its decision to invite Trump along with Vice President Kamala Harris to the conference, stating, “While we acknowledge the concerns expressed by our members, we believe it is important for us to provide our members with the opportunity to hear directly from candidates and hold them accountable.” Harris declined the invitation to fly to Chicago to speak at the conference.
Faulkner spoke to Fox News host Martha McCallum following Trump’s Q&A and said she heard from “young journalists” after the Q&A that they were “glad” the former president spoke.
“What I loved about what you couldn’t see today was how much of that audience was enjoying the moment of hearing from a candidate that they might not always agree with — and that is the whole point,” she said.
“So for all of that pushback, young journalists that I’m talking to after the event are saying, ‘Well, we’re glad he’s here,'” Faulkner added.
PRESIDENT TRUMP SHOWS UP!
“What I loved about what you couldn’t see today was how much of that audience was enjoying the moment of hearing from a candidate that they might not always agree with — and that is the whole point.” @HARRISFAULKNER pic.twitter.com/gqzvl0jEU6
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) July 31, 2024
The Q&A began with immediate fireworks after ABC News reporter Rachel Scott asked Trump to address concerns about his presence on the stage and confronted him with comments he’s made about black politicians in the past.
“First of all, I don’t think I’ve been asked a question in such a horrible manner, first question. You don’t even say ‘Hello, how are you,'” Trump replied. “Are you with ABC? Because I think they are a fake news network, a terrible network.”
The Q&A also came to an abrupt ending after Faulkner attempted to ask Trump a question about Project 2025, but Scott cut her off.
“I think we have to leave it there,” Scott said. “That is the last word. Thank you so much, Mr. Trump, for coming today and joining us.”
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Vice President Harris reportedly asked conference organizers if she could attend via Zoom, but earlier this week, the organizers were informed “that Harris would not be available in person or virtually during our Convention,” according to a statement from NABJ President Ken Lemon. The statement added that Lemon’s team was “in conversation with the Harris for President campaign team to schedule a Q&A session between Vice President Harris and NABJ, either in person or virtually, at some point in September.”
