The third GOP Debate, for the most part, was dull compared to the past debates. Those who reside on the right side of the political spectrum champion more economic freedom, but discussions on taxes and micro/macro economics can bore even the most ardent of free market advocates. Many people are withdrawn from the subject of economics because it is such a complicated matter that cannot be answered by simple ideas. This is where the role of the moderators becomes imperative; the moderators must be able to translate a complex subject into a question that could be understood by the general public. There is extra pressure on the moderators to redirect focus and to end any unnecessary arguments between debaters. However, the moderators in the GOP debate failed to fulfill these tasks.
The general consensus of critics on the moderators is that they were flat-out rude with almost all of the fingers pointing at John Harwood. Harwood introduced almost all his questions in a condescending and crude manner, especially the ones directed towards Trump. Questioning Trump’s campaign, Harwood asks Trump “Is this a comic book version of a presidential campaign?” Asking about taxes, Harwood tells Trump “you have as [much] chance of cutting taxes…as you would of flying away from that podium by flapping your arms.” This use of derision against Trump did not stop at questions directed towards him. In a question directed to Huckabee, Harwood asks “When you look at [Trump], do you see someone with the moral authority to unite the country?” which the crowd responds with booing. Through the audience’s response, it becomes evident that tensions are growing not only between the moderators and the candidates, but also the moderators and the audience. The mocking and fighting continue by the hand of all three main moderators until it reaches a climax: Cruz’s highlight of the night.
Cruz bottles up all the feelings that the audience members were feeling that night into a single response: “This is not a cage match…How about talking about the substantive issues the people care about?” This becomes a turning point for the rest of the debate. The candidates and audience begin to mutiny against the moderators. Chaos ensues as the moderators are not able to regain control of the debate. Because of his declaration against the moderators, Cruz steals the show. Shortly after Cruz establishes the revolt, however, Bush makes a crucial mistake that costs him the debate: he sides with the moderators. In a question directed towards Rubio regarding his absenteeism in Congress, Bush interrupts Rubio’s response. In his interjection, Bush reinforces the moderator’s question. Rubio then follows up with a quick rebuttal where he is met with roaring applause. Bush is not able to make an effective comeback, shutting him down for the rest of the debate. By siding with the moderators, Bush inadvertently turns the entire audience against him and gives all the support to Rubio.
The moderators of the 3rd GOP Debate not only mocked the authority and intelligence of the candidates on stage, but they also neglected their responsibilities as mediators. They instigated petty fights between debaters and eroded focus from the subject at hand, which is quite literally the antithesis of a moderator’s job. The debate will not be remembered for the ideas of the people on stage; rather, it will serve as a reminder of how not to be a moderator.
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