Many viewers of the first Trump-Clinton presidential debate expressed frustration at moderator Lester Holt’s allowing countless interruptions. Holt was labeled MIA during some of the more egregious episodes of the candidates’ talking over one another. Holt was also criticized for not pressing the candidates where their assertions seemed to have only tenuous relations with fact, especially some of Donald Trump’s content. Two examples below:
He said “she doesn’t have the look” not stamina. I wish @LesterHoltNBC what be more assertive about the facts #PresidentialDebate
— KENYA MOORE (@KenyaMoore) September 27, 2016
LESTER. DO. YOUR. JOB. @LesterHoltNBC
— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) September 27, 2016
But one Clinton supporter, actress Yvette Nicole Brown (The Odd Couple, Drake and Josh), thought Holt’s reluctance to intrude was fair, purposeful, and effective — calling it “skillful” and “genius.” And if job #1 of a debate moderator is allowing the candidates to reveal themselves, then it’s hard to argue against Lester Holt’s work: he gave the candidates ample space, and viewers saw the “real” Trump and “real” Clinton on the stage.
What made @LesterHoltNBC such a great moderator were his tough, pointed questions & that he let trump REVEAL who he is. #Skillful #Genius
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) September 27, 2016
