Was Chris Wallace Capable of Being an Effective Debate Moderator for the 2020 Presidential Debate?

When examining the performance of Chris Wallace during the 2020 presidential debate, opinions are often divided. Some argue that he failed to meet the standards of an effective moderator, while others appreciate his efforts under challenging circumstances. This article explores the various perspectives and weighs the effectiveness of Wallace's performance.

Challenges Faced by Chris Wallace

Good debate moderators often remain unremarked, allowing the candidates to take center stage without unnecessary interruptions. Chris Wallace, as the moderator for the first debate, faced significant challenges due to the chaotic nature of the event. His inability to employ a 'kill switch' for the microphones made his job more difficult, as seen during the debate where sound issues and interruptions were prevalent.

Wallace's decision to push back against Donald Trump, a known disruptor, without resorting to physical actions like slapping him in the face is often criticized. This approach left the moderator in a delicate position, balancing journalistic integrity with the need to enforce the rules of the debate. Unfortunately, it appears that his attempts to adhere to these rules were frequently undermined by the very candidates he was meant to moderate.

Wallace's Attempts to Maintain Control

The debate was marred by numerous inconsistencies and interruptions, with both sides contributing to the chaos. Chris Wallace continually tried to guide the candidates back to the topics at hand, but he faced significant resistance, particularly from Donald Trump who dominated the conversation and resorted to numerous falsehoods. At one point, it seemed that both Biden and Wallace might leave the stage in frustration, which only added to the unease and unpredictability of the event.

While Wallace attempted to steer the conversation towards important substantive issues, he often struggled against tumultuous interruptions, refusals to answer questions, and a barrage of personal insults. It is noteworthy that when Joe Biden interrupted and made personal attacks on Trump, Wallace allowed these to slide, suggesting a perceived imbalance in how he enforced the rules.

Was Chris Wallace Partisan?

Chris Wallace's performance has also been scrutinized from a partisanship perspective. Some critics argue that his attempts to remain neutral were overridden by the candidates' actions, particularly those of Donald Trump. However, when compared to Joe Biden's use of personal attacks and insults, there is a perceived lack of immediate consequences for Biden's misconduct.

It is becoming increasingly clear that Chris Wallace is gradually becoming just as partisan as his father, Mike Wallace. This shift towards partisanship, even as a moderator, compromises his ability to guide unbiased and fair debates. Whether a candidate is a friend or a foe, the moderator's role is to facilitate a structured and informative exchange. In this regard, Wallace's recent behavior is a cause for concern.

Conclusion

The debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump in 2020 was a textbook example of a poorly moderated event. Despite his best efforts, Chris Wallace found himself unable to control the chaos. While he tried to maintain order and enforce the rules, the inherent partisanship and disruptive behavior of the candidates made this a Herculean task. Wallace's personal evolution towards partisanship adds to the frustration and questions about the fairness of modern debates.

Ultimately, the judgement of Chris Wallace's performance depends on one's perspective. Those who believe in strict neutrality may argue that he did not meet the mark, while those who acknowledge the complexities and advocate for a more flexible approach might view his efforts as commendable, albeit inadequate under the circumstances.