The CBS News moderators came under fire on social media Tuesday as the Democratic presidential debate in South Carolina grew heated, with crosstalk often drowning them out.
Meghan McCain compared the debate’s atmosphere to the contentious discussions she faces on “The View,” saying, “these moderators need to get this under control.”
MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski asked, “Does CBS have a buzzer or something to organize this?” while the Twitter account for “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” poked fun at the often unintelligible crosstalk.
Former Democratic National Committee interim chairwoman and Fox News contributor Donna Brazile also addressed the moderation issues, tweeting, “Dear Madam Moderators: throw your shoes down. Get control.”
Former Vice President Joe Biden in particular spoke over moderators attempting to cut him off on several occasions, insisting, “I am not out of time. You spoke over time, and I’m going to talk” and later asking, “Can we just speak up when we want to? Is that the idea?”
Later, as Biden attempted to break in again, moderator Gayle King quipped, “I promise, Mr. Vice President, we are going to get to you,” with Biden responding, “You keep promising me that, but you never get to me.”