Okay, but two things.
- Debate moderation is also supposed to include follow-up questions. I don't expect live fact-checking per se. But when a candidate refuses to answer a question or when they give an insane response to a question, follow it up. Don't just say "thank you".
Otherwise there would be no point in having moderators. Let alone two of them.
- The debate rules were in conflict here with this. Ironically the mics get cut if it isn't your turn. And candidates only got a minute to respond to the other. Not saying it would have gone differently, but this debate wasn't at all well set up for the crazy.
I hate debates, mainly for these reasons and more. But lord what a sidestep of any accountability for debate moderation.
We should have higher standards than "CNN was unbiased". Whatever the hell that means here.