CBS Debate Moderators Criticized for ‘Obnoxious’ Fact-Checking of Vance
CBS News anchors Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan were criticized for their “obnoxious” fact-checking during the vice-presidential debate. Critics, including prominent MAGA influencers, accused the moderators of partiality and bias towards Ohio Senator JD Vance.
Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the moderators for silencing Vance when he challenged a fact-check regarding Kamala Harris’ open border policies. She posted on X, “The CBS moderators just SILENC JD Vance mic as called them for their falsehoods regarding Kamala Harris’ open border policies. DISGRACEFUL.”
Senator Marco Rubio also voiced his criticism, stating, “Once again, major media embarrasses on a. In the first30 minutes the CBS debate, the moderators have already made two unnecessary editorial comments, one of which was misleading, taking a jab JD Vance the guise ‘fact.'”
During the debate, Vance claimed that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were residing unlawfully. However, moderator Margaret Brennan countered his assertion by mentioning that the migrants possessed legal status, specifically Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Vance interjected, asserting that the rules were being checked, and he proceeded to explain how undocumented migrants could seek to appeal their immigration status through a mobile application, which he characterized as an illegitimate policy under President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris’ administration.
Despite CBS’s previous declaration that live fact-checking would not take place during the debate, moderator Margaret Brennan interjected to correct Vance. The exchange became tense, with both moderators speaking over him and eventually cutting off his microphone as Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz attempted to engage in the discussion.
The controversy has sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing the moderators of bias and partisanship. Despite this, CBS News has maintained its stance on fact-checking, providing viewers with a QR code directing them to a website where reporters are fact-checking the candidates’ statements in real time.
