‘Dumbest statement’: Megyn Kelly’s argument Trump and Biden ‘don’t need to be treated like schoolchildren’ draws ire
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Megyn Kelly voiced her criticism of the rules for the CNN debate held between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden on June 27, arguing that the structure is overly restrictive for the two candidates, adding that they "don’t need to be treated like schoolchildren".
After the most anticipated debate finally took place, Biden's performance has raised concerns among Democrats due to his struggles in discussing key issues like immigration and abortion. In contrast, Trump repeated falsehoods, stoking fears about immigration and accusing Democrats of extreme actions on abortion.
Megyn Kelly criticizes debate rule to cut off microphones
The former Fox News anchor and current SiriusXM talk show host expressed her frustration with the plan to cut off each candidate's microphone once their allotted speaking time is up.
"I don’t know why this was necessary," Kelly told The New York Post.
“The under-the-breath comments, where one [candidate] shoots something at another, can be the most fun part of a debate. They don’t need to be treated like schoolchildren. Why are we behaving or pretending like they’re preschool children?”
Kelly suggested that the debate rules could "actually help" Trump by providing moderators with an excuse to control his behavior, preventing a repeat of his performance in the first debate against Biden four years ago.
“I think they’re genuinely worried that Biden can’t handle it,” she added. “So his handlers have requested as many rules to try to keep it orderly as possible.”
Reports say that despite Biden's uneven performance, Democrats largely rallied around the former president, although there were murmurs suggesting he should be replaced.
Megyn Kelly criticizes CNN moderators for debate
Last month, Trump, 78, agreed to participate in the debate after Biden’s team publicly suggested holding the events independently of the non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates, which has been organizing these forums since 1988.
Recently, Trump’s campaign and supporters expressed concerns about co-moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, pointing to their past comments about the former president.
Kelly also remarked that Tapper seems to be “playing very straight down the middle ever since he was named as a moderator".
“They treated Trump absolutely terribly, and they’re not fair when it comes to him,” Kelly said of CNN. “So I don’t think they should have been rewarded with this.”
“I think the moderators will try to be on their best behavior, because they don’t want to embarrass themselves, and they know they’re going to get hit if they’re too in the tank for Biden.”
While some have raised doubts about Trump's decision to participate in a debate despite facing numerous challenges, Kelly provided a clear explanation.
“Trump simply wants to engage in debate,” she clarified. “He’s eager to face Joe Biden. Who wouldn’t be?”
Internet reacts to Megyn Kelly's comments
Megyn Kelly's criticism of the rules of the CNN debate, especially her "preschool children" comment received major backlash from viewers.
One viewer expressed, "I think this article is wrong. Both of them needed to be treated like children because that is exactly the way they both act. Nothing Presidential about either candidate."
Another viewer shared, "If they don't need to be treated like school children, then maybe Megyn should stop trying to Monday morning quarterback the rules to which both parties agreed."
One viewer pointed out, "Correction, Biden does not have to be treated like a child. Little Hands On Women Donald can’t keep his mouth shut so he has to have a cutoff in his mike. These are what we call consequences children. Donny will learn more about that word next week when he’s sentenced."
One comment stated, "The so-called debate is pure theater. There is nothing substantive there. Politicians lie. Nothing said will mean anything. The notable headlines subsequent to the performances will address whether Biden looked like a doddering old fool, and/or if Trump was overly aggressive."
Another comment read, "Trump and Biden ‘don’t need to be treated like schoolchildren’? Biden does."
"Megan Kelly’s dumbest statement ever. She’s concerned that it will be less “fun” with the mic’s cut. Why do her comments even merit attention," explained an individual.
This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
More from MEAWW
