Edwards vs. News Corp.

John Edwards has called on Democratic candidates to not take donations from News Corp., citing right-wing bias by its Fox News Channel. The attack is aimed at Hillary Clinton, who has taken more than $20,000 from News Corp. officials, including a $2,300 contribution from Rupert Murdoch.

The company's COO, Peter Chernin, held a fund-raiser for Clinton in June.

"The time has come for Democrats to stop pretending to be friends with the very people who demonize the Democratic Party," Edwards said.

Edwards sent out an e-mail to supporters with the subject line, "Unfair and Unbalanced," asking them to donate in support of his stand against the company.

Already, Democratic 08ers have been stepping up to criticize Rupert Murdoch's purchase of The Wall Street Journal as an example of media consolidation gone amok.

Said Edwards, "The basis of a strong democracy begins and ends with a strong, unbiased and fair media –- all qualities which are pretty hard to subscribe to Fox News and News Corp. The reality is that Americans deserve more news outlets –- not fewer. It’s time for all Democrats, including those running for president, to stand up and speak out against this merger and other forms of media consolidation.

“Moreover, given Fox News’ consistent efforts to demean Democrats -- they have attacked the character of Senator Obama, Vice President Gore, and many others -- no Democrat running for president should accept campaign money from top News Corp executives....The time has come for Democrats to stop pretending to be friends with the very people who demonize the Democratic Party.”

A News Corp. spokesman said the company had no comment.