Rival news anchors slam CBS News' moderators over debate 'disaster'
Media insiders are labeling the South Carolina Democratic debate a "disaster" following a messy and often out-of-control evening that frequently devolved into shouting matches between the candidates. The event marked CBS News' first foray into hosting a debate this election cycle, and the moderators — CBS Evening News anchor Norah O'Donnell and CBS This Morning co-host Gayle King — often appeared to be overpowered by the seven candidates they were supposed to be keeping in line.
TV regulars at rival networks, including former DNC head and Fox News contributor Donna Brazile, Morning Joe's Mika Brzezinski, and The View's Meghan McCain, expressed horror over how the night unfolded:
Dear Madam Moderators: throw your shoes down.
Get control.#democraticdebates #DemDebate
— Donna Brazile (@donnabrazile) February 26, 2020
Does CBS have a buzzer or something to organize this??? What’s going on?
— Mika Brzezinski (@morningmika) February 26, 2020
These moderators need to get this under control. This is way worse than any bad day @TheView hot topics table. At least Whoopi has the bell... #DemDebate2020
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) February 26, 2020
Brian Stelter, the chief media corespondent for CNN, confirmed the industry's general reception of the debate:
Debates are hard. TV news rivalries are hardcore. That said, debate pros at other TV networks are exchanging messages calling this a "disaster," a "nightmare" and worse
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) February 26, 2020
Sean Illing of Vox was even blunter: "These are the worst moderators in the history of moderation," he tweeted.
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