Posted on 08/07/2015 8:21:46 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
Fox News Channel tried two different approaches to political debate moderation yesterday: a rather straightforward approach by Bill Hemmer and Martha MacCallum in the second-tier candidates’ debate and a far more pointed and combative approach to the first-tier candidates.
Evaluating which was the better approach depends on the criteria being applied. From the standpoint of entertaining, memorable moments, the work of Bret Baier, Chris Wallace, and especially Megyn Kelly in the prime-time debate triumphed. It was far livelier and more entertaining than I expected. Many respected conservative commentators were upset. The first-round debate was a snoozer by comparison, though it was fully competent and in line with expectations of large-scale political debates. I suspect that Fox got great ratings for the prime-time debate, and in the end, that is what matters to Roger Ailes, Rupert Murdoch, and the stockholders.
Donald Trump and his many supporters bristled at what they saw as attacks on the front-runner by the first question, which asked if any of the participants would not pledge to support the GOP nominee, and by Megyn Kelly’s later question, which confronted Trump with disparaging comments he had made about the physical appearance of some females. He was not pleased, calling the latter question a “not very nice question.” Given the Democrats’ emphasis on their imagined war on women, this is an issue he needs to addressed over and over again. Kelly did him a favor by bringing it up now and giving him a chance to hone his response.
As for the first, his explanation afterwards was pure “Art of the Deal” logic: why should he give up leverage? And for this, I cannot fault him. His major selling point to voters is that he is capable of driving hard bargains.
(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...
why should he give up leverage?
Megyn Kelly - hot now, but add 30 years and 100 lbs and she's another Candy Crowley.
I listened to the end on radio. Who was the idiot who accepted the premise of the stupid question about cops’ treatment of blacks? What a disgusting answer.
Trump is fully aware that his major selling point to voters is that he is capable of driving hard bargains.
Voters are waiting w/ bated breath to see Trump force Mexico to pay for the wall.
Might have been Walker
It was Gov Scott Walker I think. I had the same reaction to the way he answered the question.
She is in her early forties, I believe, and 20 years would be sufficient.
Thank you. I was enraged at and embarrassed for this guy.
Again, these aren’t debates, they’re game show contests.
The prime purpose is to generate ratings; discussing the important issues facing the country is “boring”.
No wonder our nation is in the shape it’s in.
She’s another Candy Crowley right now as a debate ‘moderator.’
“Article is BS. It’s trying to cover up for outlandish and unprofessional conduct by Megyn Kelly and her tribe.”
I agree 100%
For moderators to probe and even challenge is acceptable.
This was an attack and was uncomfortable to watch.
After that disgusting display, Megyn should be making sandwiches at Subway and nothing more, ever.
She sucks and is a traitor to the truth.
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