The Fairness Doctrine required stations to give equal time to both sides of controversial issues. President Bush says if it is resurrected and shows up on his desk, he will veto it.

“By insisting on so-called balance, they want to silence those they don't agree with.  The truth of the matter is, they know they cannot prevail in the public debate of ideas.  They don't acknowledge that you are the balance.”

Ashley Horne at Focus on the Family Action says it’s refreshing to know where the president stands.  However, if nothing is done soon to stop the doctrine’s return, it will be up to the next president to block or reinstate it.

“President Bush has promised to veto the Fairness Doctrine if it were to hit his desk, but what about the next president?  This is one more reason why this election is very important.”

We called Senators McCain, Clinton and Obama for their positions on the Fairness Doctrine but only heard back from Senator McCain. His office would only say the candidate opposes it.  Bob Knight is with the Culture and Media Institute.

“There was a flurry of talk of the Fairness Doctrine and then liberals got quiet all of the sudden.  And I think they are waiting to see what’ll happen in November, whether they will have the political clout in the White House and in Congress to push something like this through.”

President Bush is calling for passage of the Broadcasters Freedom Act; a bill that keeps the Federal Communications Commission from reinstating the Fairness Doctrine.  McCain is a co-sponsor.