Topic: Fox Debate

During the first GOP primary debate, Fox News moderator Brett Baier drew criticism for his handling of the live audience. When the crowd booed Chris Christie for his comments regarding Donald Trump, Baier told the audience to "just get through this section," a move described by critics as showing disdain for the Republican base. The moment was highlighted by PBS Washington Week as a striking example of the tension within the party.

The hosts discuss the specifics of Georgia's racketeering laws, noting that prosecutors only need to prove two predicate acts to establish a RICO charge. Meanwhile, Donald Trump indicates he may skip the first Republican primary debate in Milwaukee, hosted by Fox News. Trump has refused to sign the RNC loyalty pledge, which requires candidates to support the eventual nominee as a condition for appearing on stage.

A notable moment from the debate involved a fly landing on Mike Pence's hair and remaining there for several minutes. The hosts speculate jokingly that it could have been a miniature drone given its timing and persistence. They criticize the moderator and the production booth for not alerting the Vice President to the distraction during the live broadcast.

Fox News anchor Chris Wallace faced backlash for his moderation of the first 2020 presidential debate, with critics accusing him of losing control of the event. Technical analysis from sound engineers suggested that President Trump's microphone was set 3 decibels lower than Joe Biden's throughout the broadcast. While Wallace blamed Trump for the interruptions, review of the footage shows Biden also frequently interrupted and that Wallace often gave the floor back to Biden after open discussions.

The hosts discuss ABC News' coverage of the "ugly" GOP debate and the high Republican voter turnout. They also observe a shift in Fox News' tone, suggesting Rupert Murdoch has decided to back Donald Trump after previously opposing him, evidenced by Megyn Kelly's "softball" questions.

The production quality of the Fox Business debate in Milwaukee is critiqued. The hosts complain about the "crappy venue," the overuse of star filters on camera lenses, and Maria Bartiromo's hair and makeup. They also express annoyance at the inclusion of a British moderator in an American presidential debate.

The first Republican primary debate of the 2015 cycle drew 24 million viewers on Fox News, setting a record for a non-sporting event on cable television. While the figures were high for cable, they remained significantly lower than the 88 million viewers who watched the 1980 Reagan-Carter debate on broadcast networks.

Fox News host Greta Van Susteren appeared to struggle with her delivery during a segment previewing the Republican presidential debate. She repeatedly mispronounced "candidates" and incorrectly identified Carly Fiorina as the former CEO of "HPO" instead of HP. The hosts analyze the clips for signs of fatigue or intoxication, noting the "Hatfields and McCoys" divide in Washington.

The Google-sponsored Republican primary debate is analyzed for its high production value and "sweetened" audience audio. Candidate Gary Johnson delivered a scripted punchline about his neighbor's dogs, while Rick Santorum faced questions regarding the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in the military.