Tensions flared during the recent vice presidential debate as CBS News moderators fact-checked Republican candidate Sen. JD Vance, leading to accusations of bias from House Speaker Mike Johnson.
The controversy centered on the network's approach to live fact-checking during the debate, despite previous statements that it would be avoided, Fox News reported.
Speaker Mike Johnson sharply critiqued the actions of the CBS News moderators during their coverage of the vice presidential debate. He labeled the fact-checking efforts during the event as "shameless" and indicative of a bias against conservatives on live television.
The debate, which took place on October 1, 2024, at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York, involved Johnson's party colleague, Sen. JD Vance, and Democratic candidate Gov. Tim Walz.
Although CBS had previously announced they would refrain from live fact-checking, moderator Margaret Brennan corrected Vance's statement about the status of immigrants in Springfield, Ohio.
Margaret Brennan intervened during Vance's discussion of immigration to clarify the legal status of Haitian migrants in Springfield. Brennan stated, "Just to clarify for our viewers, Springfield, Ohio does have a large number of Haitian migrants who have legal status, temporary protected status."
This unexpected fact-check prompted Vance to remind moderators of the ground rules initially laid out. In response to the fact-checking, he said, "The rules were that you guys weren't going to fact-check, And since you are fact-checking me, I think it's important to say what's going on."
After this exchange, tensions escalated when the moderators muted Vance’s microphone during his attempt to further address the issue. Brennan acknowledged this by noting, “The audience can't hear you because your mics are cut.”
The incident spurred Mike Johnson to further reinforce the Republican stance on CBS's handling of the debate. Speaking on "Fox & Friends" the following day, he expressed his displeasure towards the network's handling of the debate particulars and openly criticized the Biden-Harris administration's immigration policies.
Mike Johnson elaborated on the implications of the perceived lapses in border control and immigration management under the current administration. He argued, "The immigration policy is nonexistent. They opened the border. They're allowing everyone in. They put out the welcome mat and the catastrophe that this has been to our country in every metric of public policy, with fentanyl poisonings being the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 49. The trafficking, the fact that JD pointed out so well, they have lost all of these children who came across the border."
Despite the interruptions and controversies during the debate, Johnson commended Vance for his composure and effectiveness. "JD was so good last night because he brought answers and solutions. He talked about policies. He showed us his depth and he came across as just being very reasonable and likable. I just thought he was at his best. He did a great job."
The debate was not only contentious but also became a platform for broader discussions on media partiality and the treatment of political candidates in high-stakes environments.
Johnson's scathing remarks highlight ongoing tensions between Republican officials and mainstream media, particularly concerning the portrayal and treatment of conservative ideas and policies during national broadcasts.
