CNN Doubles Down on Decision to Not Fact-Check Debate, ‘Very Proud’ of Jake Tapper and Dana Bash

The network said it was not the moderators’ job to fact check either candidate

Moderators and CNN hosts Jake Tapper and Dana Bash at the CNN Republican Presidential Primary Debate in January 2024
Moderators and CNN hosts Jake Tapper and Dana Bash at the CNN Republican Presidential Primary Debate in January 2024 (Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

CNN defended its presidential debate moderators for not fact-checking Donald Trump’s “firehose of lies” in real time, reminding critics that the duo’s job was “facilitating … not participating” and saying the network is “very proud” of Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.

The two top anchors were roasted on social media on Thursday night and Friday morning as debate-watchers suggested that their failure to fact-check the former president marked “the collapse of American media.”

But spokesperson for the network said, “We are very proud of Jake and Dana. Our job was to make sure candidates were heard so voters can make informed decisions and we are pleased we were able to do that.”

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