So with wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, a national debate on reforming the health care system, an economy that still hasn’t resulted in many new jobs, an auto industry that’s a shell of its former self and a myriad of other significant issues affecting the country, the Obama Administration recently decided to pick a fight with Fox News.

Now, regardless of what one might think of Fox News—some say it’s too conservative, it’s an arm of the Republican Party, it focuses too much on glamour and not enough on substance (criticisms, only slightly varied, that could be lodged against CNN and MSNBC, as well)—the decision to stage a conflict with a legitimate news agency is curious, to say the least.

With so many important issues facing the country, it might seem wise for the Administration to “reach out” during this time. President Obama spoke often about this during the campaign: a new kind of politics and less bipartisanship.

This would be a perfect opportunity to demonstrate that. Members of the Administration could appear on certain FOX shows in an attempt to reach an audience that they might see as not necessarily in line with their proposals.

Surely the Administration has representatives who can handle a spirited debate like this—taking difficult questions about health care reform or the economic recovery or the president’s plans for Afghanistan. Answering difficult questions is at the heart of our democracy.

Politics is hard work. It’s about accountability, debate, compromise and doing the right thing. It’s about debating with your opponents the efficacy of your proposal and hopefully winning them to your side. It’s about believing in your position strongly, but also about being willing to change your opinion if faced with contradictory information or a better proposal.   

Every presidential administration—right, left or center—has had a tricky relationship with those who cover it. Some administrations cozy up to certain segments of the media, hoping for favorable coverage, while other administrations endure a fairly hostile relationship with the Fourth Estate.

The Bush II Administration didn’t necessarily enjoy a favorable relationship with the media, but I don’t recall them determining to treat CNN or MSNBC—two networks that some argue lean to the left—with disdain and contempt.

Presidential administrations must serve a duty to the American people by periodically appearing before major media outlets, answering their questions and communicating the administration’s goals and plans for public consumption. It’s an important component of any democracy.

This is no less wrong than if a Republican administration decided not to appear on CNN or MSNBC or CBS and went so far as to say they were going to treat those networks as if they were opponents.

If politicians—presidents, congressmen and women, governors, mayors, city council members—decided only to appear on media outlets that agreed with their opinions or answer only the questions the politician wanted to answer, then our democracy would be in serious jeopardy.

Here’s hoping the Obama Administration will revisit some of its campaign rhetoric and decide to engage all Americans—even those who don’t always agree with them.