In his Talking Points Commentary segment Wednesday, Fox News host Bill O’Reilly called a post-GOP debate comment by CNN’s Carol Costello “completely ludicrous.”
In the clip aired on The O’Reilly Factor, Costello said “it appeared to me the (Fox Business) moderators didn’t ask very challenging questions.” Other journalists disagreed, including The Boston Globe’s Matt Viser who wrote after the debate, “This is the most substantive debate so far. By far.”
“Ms. Costello has a history of provocative statements…but come on,” O’Reilly said. “The FBN moderators were on point, controlled the situation and covered a lot of ground. They should be proud of themselves.”
O’Reilly’s colleague Greta Van Susteren agreed, writing a “note” to Costello on her Greta Wire blog:
Someone ought to tell CNN’s Carol Costello that a debate is not meant to be mud wrestling (or as CNN’s debate ads, a boxing match) nor is it meant for moderators to be insulting to the candidates nor is it meant to be moderators showing off.
Some journalists want rudeness and show biz – or perhaps provoking a fight between the candidates – instead of getting information out of candidates who are running for office. Apparently that is what Costello was looking for.