Republican Debate: Ted Cruz Slams CNBC Moderators During GOP Presidential Event
There were many headline-making moments of Wednesday night's republican debate, but one of them earning top billing today is when Texas Senator Ted Cruz called out CNBC for their line of questioning. The GOP presidential hopeful was asked a question about the U.S. debt ceiling, and before answering, he had another thought on hand for both viewers and the moderators.
NBC correspondent Carl Quintanilla asked Cruz about a recent deal proposed that would "raise the debt limit, prevent a government shutdown and calm financial markets" which he apparently opposes, questioning whether or not that makes him "the kind of problem solver" that the United States wants.
Cruz responded noting that the line of questioning coming at them in Boulder, Colorado, is the exact reason why "the American people don't trust the media."
After his comment was met with some serious applause, Cruz further noted that the debate should be treated as a way for Americans to hear about "substantive issues" that are important to the country, rather than having the moderators treat the debate as a "cage match" pinning the candidates against one another.
Eventually Cruz's allotted time had passed, and he attempted to deliver an answer to Quintanilla but considering his moment was over, New York Times columnist John Harwood moved onto the next question.
Later on in the debate, however, the question was returned to Cruz, who then gave his response.
Cruz's comment wasn't the only tense moment of the debate; there were several other moments that had many viewers at the edge of their seats. From Marco Rubio calling out Harwood to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie telling the same moderator that he was being "rude" – even for New Jersey – it got a little jumpy.