ABC debate moderator Linsey Davis explains increased Trump fact-checking after CNN controversy

ABC News anchor Linsey Davis acknowledged that her approach to fact-checking during the recent presidential debate was influenced by the criticism of CNN’s handling of a prior debate. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Davis revealed that the decision to rigorously fact-check former President Donald Trump was partly a response to the perceived failings of CNN’s debate performance between Trump and President Joe Biden in June.

Davis explained that many viewers felt Trump’s statements went unchallenged during the CNN debate, which contributed to a lackluster performance by Biden and ultimately led to his exit from the race. “People were concerned that statements were allowed to just hang and not [be] disputed by the candidate Biden, at the time, or the moderators,” Davis told the Times.

During the recent debate, Davis and co-moderator David Muir fact-checked Trump five times, a noticeable increase in scrutiny compared to their handling of Vice President Kamala Harris, who was not fact-checked at all. One notable moment came when Davis directly challenged Trump’s claim about post-birth abortion laws, stating firmly that “there is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it’s born.” While this correction was lauded by some, it also drew criticism from pro-life groups who labeled it as “100% inaccurate.”

The debate’s moderators, including Davis and Muir, faced accusations of bias, with Trump alleging that the debate was “rigged” in Harris’ favor. Critics pointed out the disparity in fact-checking, noting that Trump was frequently corrected while Harris received no similar scrutiny.

In response to these criticisms, Davis defended the debate’s fact-checking process, stating that her team had prepared extensively by reviewing hours of campaign rallies and interviews. However, she acknowledged that not all inaccuracies were caught. Davis dismissed the bias allegations and chose to shut down her social media accounts, citing the constant reminders of perceived bias as a reason for her decision.

Davis’ reflections highlight the challenges and scrutiny faced by debate moderators in balancing their roles while addressing accusations of bias and maintaining fairness throughout the debate process.