Source: W.H. warns consultant off Fox

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- A Democratic consultant says the White House criticized him for appearing on Fox News, sources say.

The strategist said he got a blunt and intimidating phone call from an administration official saying, "We'd better not see you on again," the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday. The implied message was that "clients might stop using you if you continue," the consultant said.

Presidential aides have characterized the Fox News Channel as a political opponent set on damaging the president's administration rather than as a news organization, the Times said.

Others say they're not surprised. "I have heard that they've done that to others in not too subtle ways. I find it appalling. When the White House gets in the business of suppressing dissent and comment, particularly from its own party, it hurts itself," Fox News contributor Patrick Caddell said.

White House Communications Director Anita Dunn told CNN last month that Fox, in effect, acts as an "arm" of the Republican Party. "Let's not pretend they're a news network the way CNN is," Dunn said. But she denied the White House has told people to avoid Fox.