Joe Scarborough Rips Sister Network CNBC’s ‘Horrible Debate,’ John Harwood’s ‘Embarrassing’ Question

Joe Scarborough Rips Sister Network CNBC’s ‘Horrible Debate,’ John Harwood’s ‘Embarrassing’ Question

Joe Scarborough didn’t mince words on Thursday about sister network CNBC’s “horrible” GOP debate, and named names when it came to moderators who fell short.

“The first question was just absolutely embarrassing,” Scarborough said about CNBC’s co-moderator John Harwood asking Donald Trump if he was running a “comic book” campaign.

“I’m sure I’ll get in trouble for saying this, but John Harwood opening up by making a clown reference to Donald Trump and then saying you have as much chance as flapping your wings and flying away…” he continued.

Also Read: 5 Breakout Moments From GOP Debate: Trump vs. CNBC, Jeb Bush vs. Himself

Scarborough railed at the treatment Republicans continue to receive from debate moderators.

“How much longer are we Republicans going to have to listen to debate moderators, whether they’re on Fox or on CNBC, which are supposed to be conservative outlets?” he said.

Also Read: CNBC Republican Debate Mocked on Social Media for 'Incompetent Moderators'

The Morning Joe host concluded, “It was just a terrible debate, one of the worst.”

In response to the Republican National Committee criticism of CNBC’s debate, Brian Steel, CNBC’s senior vice president for public relations, released a statement saying he stood by the moderators’ performance.

Also Read: RNC Chairman Slams CNBC for 'Extremely Disappointing' Debate (Updated)

“People who want to be president of the United States should be able to answer tough questions,” Steel said late Wednesday night.