They stack the audience with their people with preprepared questions and they are the only ones that get called on from the audience.
The whole operation is a preplanned production to make the conservative look like a fool.
Media may think they are "The Fouth Estate," because of their first amendment protections, but actually, they have NO civic duty or mandate to organize or play ANY role in these "debates," or "forums," etc.!!! (same goes for "The league of Women Vipers)
I was GLAD to see that Tom McClintock did NOT participate in the latest, last minute "forum!" They are "loaded" just like you described!!!