Biden FCC Nominee Bows Out Over Extremist Rhetoric

Joe Biden’s selection for Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decided to stop pursuing the role following intense backlash over extreme statements she has made.

According to Breitbart, Gigi Sohn came under heat from Republicans and Democrats as she navigated her 16-month-long and ultimately-failed confirmation. While Sohn chose to end the pursuit herself, she put out a statement blasting Congress’ conduct, saying she was subjected to “unrelenting, dishonest, and cruel attacks.”

“It is a sad day for our country and our democracy when dominant industries, with assistance from unlimited dark money, get to choose their regulators,” Sohn reportedly told the Washington Post. “And with the help of their friends in the Senate, the powerful cable and media companies have done just that.”

Sohn’s remarks against law enforcement drew much of the bipartisan resistance to her confirmation, as was noted by Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), who proclaimed in a Feb. 14 hearing that she would “like to echo concerns raised about the nominee’s positions on matters of importance for law enforcement, both nationally and in Nevada.”

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) appeared to agree, given that he spoke out against Sohn over her “toxic partisanship.”

On the other side of the aisle, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) shared a video on social media blasting the former nominee. Included in the clip was a cut of Cruz pointing out that Sohn suggested the federal government should revoke the broadcast licenses of conservative outlets. Cruz charged the nomination of Sohn would prove to be “dangerous,” referring to her as a “radical, left-wing partisan.”

The senator’s claims were substantiated by American Greatness, who reported that Sohn has advocated for the censorship of various right-wing media outlets. She notably is the co-founder and CEO of a leftist advocacy group called Public Knowledge, which allegedly advocated for the de-platforming of the conservative media outlet One America News Network (OANN). Sohn has characterized Fox News as “state-sponsored propaganda” and “dangerous to democracy.”

Upon being informed of Sohn’s decision to withdraw, Cruz released a statement in celebration of the news, calling it a “major victory.” He claimed it “represents a strong bipartisan agreement that we need a fair and impartial candidate who can receive the support needed for confirmation.”

“The FCC is not a place for partisan activists,” said Cruz. “Free speech is too important.”