The Republican National Committee is angry at how CNBC debate moderators conducted themselves at the latest GOP debate. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus released a statement declaring, “the performance by the CNBC moderators was extremely disappointing and did a disservice to their network, our candidates, and voters.”
A source inside the RNC told The Daily Caller they are discussing options for the future, adding “nobody in the building is happy with what happened right now.”
How the CNBC debate will impact future debates is an open question. RNC insiders say there are limits to how much, if any, control the party can exert over topics and questioners. For his part, Priebus vows to fight to make future debates more about issues than the moderators.
CNBC should be ashamed of how this debate was handled. #GOPDebate
— Reince Priebus (@Reince) October 29, 2015
I will fight to ensure future debates allow for a more robust exchange. #GOPDebate
— Reince Priebus (@Reince) October 29, 2015
In spite of the moderators, I'm proud of our team for standing up against the improper and unprofessional display put on by CNBC.
— Reince Priebus (@Reince) October 29, 2015
For its part, CNBC responded saying candidate should be able to handle such questions.
CNBC spox responds to GOP criticism: "People who want to be President of the United States should be able to answer tough questions."
— Michael Calderone (@mlcalderone) October 29, 2015
They weren't tough, they were stupid https://t.co/r9PgHIKPbQ
— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) October 29, 2015