Posted on 09/08/2016 10:37:13 AM PDT by tcrlaf
NBC News knows the "Commander-in-Chief Forum" was not Matt Lauer's finest hour.
One executive, speaking anonymously, was blunt about it: "Disaster."
The morning after Lauer's back-to-back interviews of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, several high ranking sources at the network said they hear the criticism and agree with at least some of it.
Lauer was widely criticized for failing to fact-check or follow up when Trump falsely claimed that he was opposed to the Iraq war when it started. Some viewers thought Lauer held Clinton to a higher standard than Trump. Several people who were sitting in the audience told CNN that they were frustrated too.
The ratings for Wednesday night's forum were strong, according to preliminary data. But the reviews were pitiful. So what went wrong? That's what journalists both inside and outside NBC are asking now. There is no clear answer.
Lack of preparation is one theory.
New York Times TV critic James Poniewozik wrote Thursday that Lauer seemed "unprepared on specifics of military and foreign policy: "He performed like a soldier sent on a mission without ammunition, beginning with a disorganized offensive, ending in a humiliating retreat."
But Lauer's interviewing skills are second to none. He has hosted thousands of episodes of the "Today" show.
And he had a week to prep for the forum.
(Excerpt) Read more at money.cnn.com ...
Oh well, sometimes you just gotta take one for the team, right Matt?
Can't be Hillary's fault, she's too wonderful to ever fail. Her troops just let her down this time.
You have it exactly right.
Democrats will be out in full force getting people to vote now for Hillary before anything else happens bad for her.
I specifically remember Mr. Trump being asked on the street about the war and he loudly condemned it and President Bush. I remember how angry I was at him and hated his guts for it. He definitely was against the war back then.
“But Lauer’s interviewing skills are second to none.”
lol...As long as he can push the narrative.
Naah...... he has a contract and besides he is needed
But Hillary claimed no loss of our people in Libya and no one said a word.
I can tell by the ankles that’s been photoshopped!
He’s always been a lightweight. There’s nothing new here.
You are so right about that. Lester Holt and Martha’s standard to destroy just got sky high.
Get them to watch "Hillary's America". Their eyes will be opened.
People in the audience were upset? Who? Trump’s support with veterans is huge.
yes...after he stopped beating his wife!
*** This could literally COST HIM HIS JOB.... ***
He could replace Joy Behar on The View . He is about as unprofessional, and spewrific.
This is a ruse!!! Mark it...the debates will be excruciating for Donald Trump! The fix is in!
Something is bothering me too.
There is something contrived about this. Lauer was much harder on Trump.
I smell a scheme here to influence the moderators of future debates. TRUMP ISN’T CHALLENGED ENOUGH is the meme.
Watched it this morning and actually thought he was quite balanced
Since when did lying, bushwhacking, bending the facts, and promoting evil become a JOB?
Only in American so called Journalism.
Or his life — you know the Clintons don't take kindly to ineptitude
A Yuge disaster..
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