Republican officials took their displeasure public in an open letter today.
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“We look forward to pursuing alternatives along with the RNC to ensure candidates are given ample opportunity to outline their vision for the future of our country”, said campaign spokeswoman Hope Hicks.
I just sit here, who are “they”?
“I do think there’s apt to be something of a chilling effect because as much as the moderators like to think they’re capable of asking the tough questions… the reality is they don’t want to be in a room where they’re going to be booed”, said Boston University College of Communication Dean Tom Fiedler.
The debate’s record ratings are probably making the criticism a little easier to swallow for network honchos. The GOP debate scored 14 million viewers for CNBC, its highest audience ever.
It is not often that we write about a political story in the same way we would a television show, but this is the case for this article for one weird reason or another.
A few Republican candidates have launched a fundraising blitz off of CNBC’s poor handling of Wednesday night’s debate, seeking to capitalize on widespread anti-media sentiment among the conservative base. “We simply can not continue with NBC without full consultation with our campaigns”, wrote Priebus, after noting the decision came after discussions within the RNC and the presidential campaigns. “We need to ensure there is not a repeat performance”.
The RNC chairman said the CNBC debate was promoted to focus on the economy, including job growth, retirement and taxes, but that was not the case once the debate aired. That was not the case.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie were among those candidates who objected to questions during the debate.
He added: “Candidates were promised that speaking time would be carefully monitored to ensure fairness”. Questions were inaccurate or downright offensive. The campaign managers for both Ben Carson and Donald Trump, the two frontrunners, have already threatened to organize a revolt and stage their own debates without the RNC’s input if action isn’t taken to negotiate more favorable terms, and Priebus’s letter appears to be his first act of capitulation to their demands.
The Republican National Committee (RNC) dropped its partnership with NBC Friday in response to the CNBC Republican debate Wednesday chairman Reince Priebus said was “designed to embarrass” the candidates.
“I do think it puts more pressure on the moderators to make sure they’ve done their homework”, said Schroeder.
“Joel, join me in declaring war on the liberal media agenda and taking back our country to deal with the substantive issues the people care about”.
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On Friday the Republican National Committee announced that they were suspending their partnership with NBC for the Houston debate.
