Fox News media analyst challenges an ex-Clinton adviser's request for an investigation into ABC News' alleged bias in the Presidential Debate, while President Trump asserts a "rigged deal" in favor of his opponent.
ABC News Presidential Debate moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis have faced scrutiny following allegations of biased moderation towards Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump. While some call for an investigation, others maintain the criticism is unfounded.
Former Clinton adviser Mark Penn sparked controversy by urging ABC News to launch an internal probe into the alleged bias. However, Fox News media analyst Howard Kurtz dismissed the demand, arguing that the moderators' actions were not "blatantly biased" enough to warrant an investigation.
ABC Debate Moderators' Bias: Unfounded Investigation Call vs. Rigged Deal Allegation
Meanwhile, Trump accused the moderators of bias in favor of Harris, claiming it was a "three to one" situation. Trump's allegations stem from the fact that the moderators fact-checked him five times while failing to correct Harris even once.
Despite the criticism, Davis defended her actions, stating that the moderators intended to fact-check both candidates but couldn't catch every misstatement. The Los Angeles Times, in a profile of Davis, described her as a "rising star" who "held Trump's feet to the fire."
ABC Debate Moderators' Bias: Unfounded Investigation Call vs. Rigged Deal Allegation
Davis, however, dismissed the accusations of bias, claiming she couldn't be biased due to her awareness of the stereotype. She also revealed that she deactivated her social media accounts to avoid anonymous criticism.
In another viral moment, Davis challenged Trump's comments on post-birth abortions, asserting that no state allows killing a baby after birth. Pro-life groups condemned her statement as inaccurate.
ABC Debate Moderators' Bias: Unfounded Investigation Call vs. Rigged Deal Allegation
Despite the controversy, ABC News has not issued a statement on the allegations.
ABC News anchor Linsey Davis admitted that her fact-checking was influenced by the previous CNN debate, where President Biden's poor performance led to his exit from the race. Davis said she aimed to correct candidates' statements to prevent them from "hanging" unchallenged.
Critics have also pointed out that Davis was more assertive in questioning Trump than Harris. In one instance, she sternly reprimanded Trump for invoking former Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's remarks on post-birth abortions.
Former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris squared off in the ABC News Presidential Debate on Tuesday, with both candidates facing scrutiny for their statements and the moderators' handling of the event. The debate has fueled ongoing discussions about media bias and the challenges of moderating political discourse.
