Former President Donald Trump calls for firing of “everybody at ABC Fake News” following debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, citing alleged bias and unfair fact-checking.
At a Glance
- Trump claims he had a “GREAT DEBATE” but criticizes media coverage
- ABC News accused of showing favoritism towards Harris in fact-checking
- Trump fact-checked five times during debate, Harris not fact-checked
- Debate performance assessments vary widely among analysts and polls
- Trump announces he will not participate in future debates
Trump’s Reaction to ABC News Debate
In the aftermath of the recent debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump has launched a scathing critique of ABC News. Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump demanded the firing of “everybody at ABC Fake News,” accusing the network of bias and unfair treatment during the debate.
Trump’s frustration stemmed from what he perceived as unbalanced fact-checking during the debate. He specifically called out ABC anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis, claiming they unfairly targeted him while giving Harris a pass. According to reports, Trump was fact-checked five times during the debate on topics ranging from late-term abortion to the 2020 election, while Harris faced no such corrections.
.@PhilippeReines, former advisor to Hillary Clinton, helped VP Harris prepare for the #ABCdebate. Reines compares the preparation to that of a job interview:
"It's a big position … you know there are other candidates so you want to put your best foot forward." pic.twitter.com/SxAfz43vOJ
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) September 11, 2024
Debate Performance and Public Perception
Despite Trump’s assertions of a successful debate performance, the public and media reactions have been mixed. While Trump shared screenshots of polls from right-wing news sites showing him as the winner, many analysts and even some Republican strategists declared Harris the victor. The former president quoted Fox News contributor Charlie Hurt, who claimed Harris lost the debate, in an attempt to bolster his position.
“People are just starting to give me credit for having a GREAT DEBATE. The Voters and Voter Polls showed it, but the Fake News Media wasn’t giving the credit that was due. Now they are seeing the results with independent Voters, Evangelicals, and more—and saying, WOW!”
However, some observers noted that Trump’s debate strategy appeared unchanged since 2015, focusing on past battles rather than presenting a vision for the future. In contrast, Harris was praised for offering a clear plan and effectively outlining her goals for the next four years.
Accusations of Media Bias
The debate has reignited discussions about media bias in political coverage. Critics of ABC News argue that the network appeared to show favoritism towards Harris in their fact-checking approach. However, they also noted that Trump was given more speaking time and the last word in the debate, potentially offsetting any perceived bias.
“Remember, I wasn’t debating one person, I was debating three. They should fire everybody at ABC Fake News, whose two lightweight ‘anchors’ have brought disgrace onto the company!”
The controversy surrounding the debate’s moderation has led to calls for a thorough investigation into ABC’s handling of the event. Such an inquiry could address concerns about media bias and help maintain public trust in the democratic process.
Future of Presidential Debates
In a surprising move following the debate, Trump announced that he would not participate in any more debates leading up to the 2024 election. This decision could significantly impact the traditional campaign process and voters’ ability to directly compare candidates’ positions and performances.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the role of media in shaping public opinion and the format of future presidential debates remain topics of intense discussion. The controversy surrounding this recent debate underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring fair and balanced coverage in an increasingly polarized political environment.
Sources
1. Donald Trump Calls for ‘Everybody at ABC’ To Be Fired After Debate
2. Post-debate, Trump consoles himself with (other people’s) faith
