In one of the biggest surprises from Thursday’s presidential debate, CNN’s moderators played it straight instead of what many had predicted would be a three-on-one against presumptive GOP nominee Donald J. Trump.
The former president and undisputed winner of the event had high praise for anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash who, despite their history of bias for him, checked their partisanship at the door before the historic high-stakes matchup, the earliest ever.
(Video: Fox News)
“Remember the guy from CNN?” Trump said during a rally in Chesapeake, Virginia, referring to the network’s coverage of the 2020 race riots as “fiery but mostly peaceful” that drew widespread ridicule. “Although, I shouldn’t knock CNN because I actually thought they treated me very fairly last night.”
“Very professional, both of them,” he added. “Jake and Dana, they treated us very fairly. They abused me for years, but last night– right? What happened? They treated me very fairly.”
“I think it’s great. I think it was great for them. It was great for CNN, but I thought they were very fair,” Trump said.
CNN’s unusual decision to let Trump speak without constant moderator interference was also recognized by others who praised the network for its restraint.
“Have to say that @CNN did a good job managing the debate. Questions were reasonable and non-partisan. No favoritism was shown to either candidate,” billionaire X owner Elon Musk wrote in a post to the platform. “This is what the public wants from the media.”
Have to say that @CNN did a good job managing the debate.
Questions were reasonable and non-partisan. No favoritism was shown to either candidate.
This is what the public wants from the media.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 28, 2024
“Never thought I’d say this, but CNN was pretty fair. They didn’t make it about them. It was all about Biden. That might be because they’ve been dispatched to help push him out, or they simply realized there’s no hiding what just happened,” said Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
Never thought I’d say this, but CNN was pretty fair. They didn’t make it about them. It was all about Biden. That might be because they’ve been dispatched to help push him out, or they simply realized there’s no hiding what just happened.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) June 28, 2024
Others also commented on the refreshing breath of fresh air from the rabidly anti-Trump network.
Worth noting: CNN did a very good job last night. From @jaketapper and @DanaBashCNN on down.
The fact they’re not the story is the highest compliment of all.
— Matt Gorman (@mattsgorman) June 28, 2024
Must admit @CNN is doing an amazing job fair and balanced
— Charles Gasparino (@CGasparino) June 28, 2024
Both of them overall were treated fairly. Both got tough questions.
I was surprised.
Going in I thought it would be 3 versus 1
— Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) June 28, 2024
They show signs of seriousness in finding the middle lately. New boss.
— Scott Adams (@ScottAdamsSays) June 28, 2024
The debate drew 51 million viewers, making it the most-watched program in history for the “most trusted name in news” which could do wonders for its viewership if it returned to the old days when it was an unbiased network.
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Chris Donaldson is an ordinary American who is concerned about rampant corruption as well as the ongoing attacks on our way of life by those who have contempt for our hard-earned freedoms. A Navy veteran, he has been a frequent contributor to conservative websites and resides in Florida.
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