CBS News won the night’s ‘Most Awkward’ award in Tuesday night’s vice presidential debate. The media outlet briefly cut the microphones of Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz after a disagreement about immigration spiraled into a tense back-and-forth. The clash occurred when Vance, speaking about illegal immigration, mentioned that certain American cities, including Springfield, Ohio, were being overwhelmed.
The Associated Press writes of the incident: Moderator Margaret Brennan interjected, stating that the Haitians who had moved to Springfield were there legally. Vance, visibly frustrated, pushed back against Brennan’s fact-check. “Since you’re fact-checking me, it’s important to say what is actually going on,” Vance said. Brennan attempted to move the discussion forward, but the two candidates continued to speak over each other. This led CBS to mute both Vance and Walz’s microphones as they debated in a New York City studio.
“Gentlemen, the audience can’t hear you because your mics are cut,” Brennan told the candidates. Prior to the debate, CBS News had announced that it would be up to the candidates themselves—rather than the moderators—to fact-check one another, encouraging the candidates to hold each other accountable. However, Vance accused CBS News of breaking its own rules by intervening in the discussion.
Moderators at last month’s debate between presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris were criticized for rudely interrupting and claiming they were fact-checking former President Trump several times. The former president and his supporters expressed frustration, accusing the moderators of bias. Trump posted on his Truth Social platform during Tuesday’s debate, criticizing Brennan and her co-moderator Norah O’Donnell as “extremely biased Anchors!”
Instead, CBS News tried to direct viewers to its website where they could verify statements made during the debate—promoting a “CBS News Confirmed” website and providing QR codes for quick access to fact-checks—the initiative faced limitations. Other networks simulcasting the debate did not display these resources, leaving some viewers without access to clarifications on potentially misleading claims, adds the Associated Press.
At another point in the debate, O’Donnell referenced the overwhelming consensus among scientists that climate change is real, asking Vance whether he agreed with his running mate’s previous comments dismissing it as a “hoax.” Vance’s views on climate change became a focal point as the moderators encouraged the candidates to challenge each other on the issue.