Conservatives expressed outrage and consternation on social media after the Republican National Committee announced Monday that NBC News, a liberal mainstream network, would serve as host to the third Republican presidential primary debate.
Former President Donald Trump, who enjoys a massive and perhaps insurmountable lead, is not expected to attend the debate.
The debate will be held in Miami on Nov. 8, a day after several states hold off-year elections.
Candidates will be facing the most stringent requirements yet to take part.
Participating candidates must secure at least 4% of the vote in multiple polls and have 70,000 unique donors to earn a spot on the stage, the Republican National Committee announced last month.
The news that NBC would moderate the debate was met with hostility among conservatives.
“NBC? RNC is partnering with another liberal and hostile network to President Trump, the frontrunner. Good thing Trump rejected the pretend conservative RNC debates!” one conservative commented on social media.
“Are we trying to lose?“ asked former Trump press secretary Sean Spicer.
“Attention Republican Party Leadership! You are fools. Cancel this idiotic debate!” said conservative radio star Leo Terrell.
“Why Is The RNC Inviting NBC News Propagandists To Co-Host Next GOP Presidential Debate?” asked The Federalist.
The first two debates were moderated by Fox News and Fox Business, in partnership with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and the Young America’s Foundation.
The third debate will be shown on NBC network show, as well as streamed to all NBC News platforms and Rumble. The Republican National Committee selected Salem Radio Network and the Republican Jewish Coalition as debate partners.
What do you think?
Is the decision to have NBC News hold the third presidential debate a mistake?
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Is it a mistake to let NBC News hold the 3rd GOP presidential debate
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The Horn editorial team