President Trump hammered moderator Chris Wallace during the first presidential debate, suggesting he was actually debating him rather than Joe Biden.

Tuesday night’s debate was a travesty by any measuring stick, with both candidates talking over each other frequently.

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Wallace lost control of the format from the get-go, oftentimes, Trump felt, to the benefit of the Democrat nominee.

At one point, the Fox News anchor challenged the President on healthcare, stating that the President had “never” come up with “a comprehensive plan to replace Obamacare.”

Trump immediately objected countering that he “got rid of the individual mandate,” which he called “the worst part of Obamacare.”

Wallace responded, “Mr. President, I am the moderator of this debate and I would like you to let me ask my question.”

The moderator repeated the same question essentially, but accused Trump of signing “a largely symbolic executive order to protect people with preexisting conditions five days before this debate.”

“Well, first of all, I guess I’m debating you, not him,” Trump fired back. “But that’s okay. I’m not surprised.”

 

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There were several instances where it seemed like Wallace was more combative with President Trump than with Biden.

During one tense exchange, Biden said, “It’s hard to get any word in with this clown. Excuse me, this person.”

When Trump attempted to fire back Wallace shouted, “No, no, no! Mr. President! Mr. President!”

In another exchange, President Trump hammered Biden by challenging him to name one law enforcement group that supports his candidacy.

Biden was unable to do so, fumbling over his next comment before Wallace chimed in.

As Trump was clearly the aggressor in the debate, it stands to reason Wallace may have interjected more often.

That said, there were a few curious moments.

Wallace presented the Charlottesville hoax almost as fact when he questioned Biden about running for President (emphasis mine).

“Vice-President Biden, you say that President Trump’s response to the violence in Charlottesville three years ago, when he talked about very fine people on both sides, was what directly led you to launch this run for president,” he stated.

And then there was this friendly banter between Biden and Wallace.

Biden: “The final question is, I can’t remember which of all his rantings it was …”

Wallace: “I’m having a little trouble myself, but… (laughs).”

 

Colleagues, Critics Slam Chris Wallace’ Debate Performance

Wallace’s debate performance was ridiculed by critics and fans alike, with even some colleagues piling on.

Ned Ryun, CEO of American Majority tweeted, “I lost track last night of how many times Chris Wallace bailed out [Biden].”

Fox News host Brian Kilmeade wanted to know why Biden is “allowed to interrupt” while Trump is not.

Former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly took note of President Trump’s line that he was debating Wallace.

Attorney Harmeet Dhillon called the Fox News anchor a “disgrace.”

Donald Trump Jr., the president’s son, appeared with Fox News personality Sean Hannity after the debate and offered his thoughts on the moderator’s performance.

“We knew that was coming anyway with a Chris Wallace. I understand he’s a Fox guy, but he’s no conservative, and he’s no centrist either,” Trump Jr. railed.

“That’s sort of the nature of this game and I think that’s why my father has to play it that way.”

Hannity offered no defense of his Fox colleague.

This piece originally appeared in ThePoliticalInsider.com and is used by permission.

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