Afraid of tough ‘gotcha questions’ – Republicans sever all ties with NBC for future debates.
Members of the Republican National Committee (RNC) Debate Committee voted unanimously on Monday to several all ties with NBC for future presidential debates, handing control over to CNN who has already hosted two Republican primary debates.
RNC Chairman Reince Priebus issued a statement on Monday announcing the decision by the committee to cancel the partnership with NBC for the Republican debate initially scheduled for Friday, February 26, 2016 in Houston, Texas.
“The Republican National Committee has decided to move forward without NBC’s participation in the February debate in Houston, Texas. The RNC has awarded the debate to CNN, who will broadcast it on Thursday, February 25 in Houston at a location to be decided,” the statement read. “The RNC is ensuring the partnership with Telemundo and conservative partners National Review and Salem Communications will continue as planned.”
CNN reports that this decision “comes two-and-a-half months after the RNC suspended its partnership with NBC News because of CNBC’s handling of the third GOP debate in October, which the Republicans said devolved into a series of ‘gotcha’ questions.”
Priebus stated at the time that “While debates are meant to include tough questions and contrast candidates’ visions and policies for the future of America, CNBC’s moderators engaged in a series of ‘gotcha’ questions, petty and mean-spirited in tone and designed to embarrass our candidates,” adding: “What took place Wednesday night was not an attempt to give the American people a greater understanding of our candidates’ policies and ideas.”
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