'Where Art Thou,' Lester Holt? Presidential Debate Moderator's Conspicuous Silence Is Met with Mixed Reviews
Monday night’s presidential debate left many Americans most conflicted not about whether Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton prevailed, but about the effectiveness of moderator Lester Holt, who was relatively silent throughout the political face-off.
Although Holt interrupted the candidates at times to fact-check their statements and remind them of their time limits, he also allowed their heated discussions of policy and values to go largely unchaperoned.
While some debate viewers took to social media to praise the NBC anchor for staying out of the spotlight, others wondered why he abstained from cutting off Clinton and Trump more often. And those viewers vented through memes. Trump supporters were largely dissatisfied with Holt’s performance, accusing him of unfairly attacking Trump more often than Clinton.
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Lester Holt has done a fine job as moderator. Not too intrusive, moving this along, fact-checking when necessary. #debates
— Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof)
Conservatives should agree @LesterHoltNBC did a very fine job moderating. He pushed on birther issue and Iraq war but gave plenty of time
— Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt)
One clear winner tonight: @LesterHoltNBC. Did not make himself the story. Inserted himself when necessary. #debatenight
— Ben White (@morningmoneyben)
Points to Lester Holt for standing aside and letting Trump and Clinton go at it.
— adam nagourney (@adamnagourney)
WE GO NOW LIVE TO LESTER HOLT OFF CAMERA: #Debate2016 pic.twitter.com/JSl45ZQniJ
— Shon (@inkedtater)
But seriously… where art thou? #debatenight (: @isabella.carapella)
A photo posted by Huffington Post (@huffingtonpost) on Sep 26, 2016 at 7:00pm PDT
Lester Holt right now. #debatenight pic.twitter.com/WHr1lYdgfJ
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow)
Lester on his phone like #DEBATENIGHT #whereislester pic.twitter.com/iRSV8N17b4
— HRH (@CointeStBrice)
lester holt lookin good tonight pic.twitter.com/uVoxExsdLU
— Ali V. (@alivingiano)
The real loser tonight was Lester Holt…constantly interrupting Trump and never Hillary…clearly biased #debates #debatenight
— USA For Trump 2016 (@USAforTrump2016)
Lester Holt was utterly biased and a complete disgrace.
THIS is exactly why we must elect Donald Trump.
It’s a #RiggedSystem #Debates #MAGA— Linda Suhler, Ph.D. (@LindaSuhler)
Lester Holt was a major loser. Weak questions, weak moderating.
— Ricky Vaughn (@Ricky_Vaughn99)
RT if you also think Lester Holt did a bad job moderating tonight!
He didn’t mention: her lies, Benghazi, Emails! #debatenight #Debates— Tennessee GOP (@TEN_GOP)
Monday’s debate was the first of three that will take place in the remaining weeks leading up to November’s election. The Hofstra University-hosted event was expected to draw an estimated 100 million viewers.
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