Which kind of explains why they love Trump so much.
That and ratings. They love their show and would like it to continue.
I watched it. The Audience was stacked. When it began the People looked like they were attending a Wake for Stalin.
The Camera angle and close ups appeared to purposely make Trump look bad.
Both Joe and Mika would ask questions and interrupt when Trump answered, but they were probably better than most of the Debate Moderators we have seen.
They asked tough questions about Trump’s History and Positions and they also were quick on the draw to do follow ups, although interrupting Trump as I said earlier.
That is my impression of what occurred and you are correct that Ratings are the driving force. They may be Dumb, but they’re not Stupid.