New York Times reporter: Warren's anti-Fox News argument 'tiptoes dangerously close to deplorables'

New York Times political reporter Lisa Lerer said Monday that an argument by Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenBiden stumps for Newsom on eve of recall: 'The eyes of the nation are on California' Democrats seize momentum as California recall nears finish line By defeating Newsom recall, pro-choice women would send a powerful message  MORE (D-Mass), a 2020 White House hopeful, against appearing on Fox News "tiptoes dangerously close to deplorables," a term used by former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonThe risks of running as Trump-lite If another 9/11 happened in a divided 2021, could national unity be achieved again? Schumer remembers 9/11: 'Oh my God, this is World War III' MORE to describe President TrumpDonald TrumpBiden stumps for Newsom on eve of recall: 'The eyes of the nation are on California' On The Money: House Democrats cut back Biden tax hikes Abortion providers warn of 'chaos' if Supreme Court overrules Roe v Wade MORE's voters in 2016.

"There is this big debate as you alluded in the Democratic Party about whether or not to go on Fox at all," Lerer told CNN anchor Kate Bolduan. "Elizabeth Warren, the Democratic National Committee, say it’s not something Democrats should do because by going on Fox, Democrats are just helping this network that vilifies them every day nonstop make money."

"And then you have the flip side, which is Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersCanada's Conservatives show how dangerously skewed US politics have become The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by National Industries for the Blind - Biden's .5 trillion plan will likely have to shrink This week: Democrats kick off chaotic fall with Biden's agenda at stake MORE (I-Vt.), [South Bend, Ind.] Mayor [Pete] Buttigieg, saying we need to reach people where they are," Lerer, also a CNN contributor, continued, referring to two others candidates in the Democratic presidential field.

"And there is some concern with the Warren argument that it tiptoes dangerously close to deplorables, that phrase that got Hillary Clinton in so much trouble during the last election, so you don’t want to sort of vilify people, even if you’re trying to vilify the network."

Lerer's perspective comes after Warren declared she wouldn't appear on a Fox News town hall because the network is a "hate-for-profit racket."

Other 2020 Democratic hopefuls have appeared on Fox News town halls, however, including Sanders, Sen. Amy KlobucharAmy KlobucharThis week: Democrats kick off chaotic fall with Biden's agenda at stake Breyer says term limits would 'make life easier for me' Hillicon Valley —Apple is not a monopoly, judge rules MORE (D-Minn.) and Buttigieg, who was featured in a live event from New Hampshire on Sunday night.

Buttigieg said during the Fox News town hall that many Democrats were critical of his appearance before noting controversial remarks made by Fox News hosts Tucker CarlsonTucker CarlsonEPA seeks protections for Alaska's Bristol Bay, undercutting mining project Watchdog group seeks ethics probe over McCarthy's Jan. 6 comments Australian reporter clashes with Sidney Powell over 2020 election claims MORE and Laura IngrahamLaura Anne IngrahamTexas lt. governor faces backlash after claiming unvaccinated African Americans responsible for COVID-19 surge Fox News requires employees to provide vaccination status Psaki says Biden admin 'needs' Fox News in order to fight vaccine misinformation MORE.

"I get where that's coming from, especially when you see what goes on with some of the opinion hosts on this network," Buttigieg said.

"When you’ve got Tucker Carlson saying that immigrants make America dirty. When you’ve got Laura Ingraham comparing detention centers with children in cages to summer camps. There is a reason why anybody has to swallow hard and think twice before participating in this media ecosystem," he added.

Buttigieg is polling at 7 percent in the RealClearPolitics polling index, more than 31 points behind former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenBiden stumps for Newsom on eve of recall: 'The eyes of the nation are on California' Biden looks to climate to sell economic agenda Family of American held hostage by Taliban urges administration to fire Afghanistan peace negotiator MORE in the race for the Democratic nomination.

The 37-year-old mayor is the third Democratic presidential candidate to appear on Fox News in a town hall format.

Sen. Kirsten GillibrandKirsten GillibrandHochul tells Facebook to 'clean up the act' on abortion misinformation after Texas law Democratic senators request probe into Amazon's treatment of pregnant employees The FBI comes up empty-handed in its search for a Jan. 6 plot MORE (D-N.Y.) is slated to appear on the next Fox News town hall on June 2.