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"We believe that
Hillary Clinton's time is best spent campaigning and meeting
directly with voters across California and preparing for a
general election campaign that will ensure the White House
remains in Democratic hands," her campaign said in a statement.
Sanders had already agreed to participate in the event to be
hosted by Fox News, following a series of heated exchanges
during their fifth debate in April in New York.
"I am disappointed but not surprised by Secretary Clinton’s
unwillingness to debate before the largest and most important
primary in the presidential nominating process," Sanders said in
a statement.
The U.S. senator from Vermont has remained steadfast in his
long-shot battle with Clinton for the Democratic nomination for
the Nov. 8 presidential election, although he lags her in the
delegate count with only a few state contests
remaining.“Naturally, Fox News is disappointed that Secretary
Clinton has declined our debate invitation," Bill Sammon, Fox
News vice president and Washington managing editor, said in a
statement, "especially given that the race is still contested
and she had previously agreed to a final debate before the
California primary.”
California holds its primary on June 7.
(Reporting by Eric Walsh; Editing by Peter Cooney)
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