A planned softball game between Sen. Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign and members of the media underscores simmering tension between the two. | Alex Wong/Getty Images 2020 elections Bernie's softball game vs. media sparks last-minute controversy Media outlets pull out after a fundraising solicitation.

Bernie Sanders' campaign sent an email to supporters Sunday night promoting a softball game between his campaign staff and members of the press corps at Iowa's iconic Field of Dreams. Pony up, it said, and receive a limited edition, Bernie Sanders baseball card.

But that solicitation has given at least some media outlets jitters: CNN and ABC News have pulled out of the event, not wanting to be associated with a campaign fundraising effort. (A POLITICO reporter had previously planned to attend the game but not play, citing her lack of athletic talent.)


According to the Sanders campaign, though, the game will go on. It's expected to feature local reporters, such as those from the political news site Iowa Starting Line.

“Unconfirmed rumors from scouts suggest that some on the opposing team — having realized Bernie 'the Bern' Sanders was the scheduled pitcher for tonight's contest — decided to stand down,” campaign manager Faiz Shakir wrote in an email to POLITICO. “Others say that a few media executives got a little squeamish about sharing the field with Bernie. Regardless, fans will not be disappointed. It is game on. Because we have to fulfill the promise of 'if you build it, they will come!'"

Shakir is particularly excited, having played second base for Harvard's baseball team in college.

But his lighthearted response follows more serious tensions between the news media and the Sanders campaign, which has expressed frustration with political journalists and pundits who they see as dismissing the senator’s candidacy.

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Sanders suggested last week that he receives unflattering coverage by The Washington Post because of his criticism of Amazon, whose founder, Jeff Bezos, also owns the paper. Washington Post executive editor Marty Baron said the newsroom operates independently of Bezos and accused Sanders of pushing a “conspiracy theory.” Sanders later backed away from his suggestion that the Post newsroom was taking directions from Bezos.

In response to the controversy, Shakir said, "The hyperoverreaction from many in the media to Sen. Sanders' critique reveals a bias."

