Univision Anchor's Debate Questions Ignite Controversy in Right-Wing Media
Conservative media voices express frustration over Univision anchor's debate questions, sparking Republican backlash and highlighting concerns about biased coverage
GOP Republicans were furious after a Univision anchor invaded their secure territory during the second debate.
Emmy Award-winning journalist Ilia Calderón, who co-anchors the evening news at the Spanish language network, sparked outrage among conservatives when she asked the candidates incisive questions covering a wide range of significant topics during Wednesday evening's debate. Although she began by greeting viewers in Spanish (as the debate was also broadcast on Univision), Calderón persistently questioned the Republicans throughout the night on weighty matters such as immigration, hate crimes, healthcare, and more.
Contrary to the usual approach on Fox News, Calderón chose not to ask softball-style questions that would favor the Republican candidates. Instead, she challenged them to provide substantive responses on a variety of important subjects. The candidates struggled to address the questions directly, with some even attempting to avoid them altogether.
Prior to the debate, with an eventual viewership of 9.5 million, Calderón expressed to the Los Angeles Times that she saw her co-moderator role as a significant obligation to represent our entire community. She diligently prepared thoughtful and considerate questions.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy engage in a debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, as part of the second Republican candidates' debate for the 2024 US presidential campaign on September 27, 2023.
The GOP debate stage showcased the true questions, aiming to debunk the narratives created by the right-wing media concerning China's economy.
"Regarding Florida's new black history curriculum, she expressed to Gov. Ron DeSantis that slaves acquired skills which, in certain cases, could be utilized for their own benefit. You have mentioned that slaves developed skills despite slavery, not because of it. However, many individuals are still deeply affected. For the descendants of slaves, this issue carries a personal significance. What message would you like to convey to them?"
Later on, she inquired of former vice president Mike Pence: "The Department of Homeland Security has issued a warning about the increasing and escalating violence towards LGBTQ+ individuals. Recent research demonstrates that members of this community are nine times more likely to fall victim to violent hate crimes. If elected president, what measures would you implement to safeguard this community from violent assaults and discriminatory treatment?"
The fierce and unapologetic way she interacted with the Republican candidates triggered a strong negative reaction from conservative media personalities back in the United States, including a well-known host from Fox News.
"Fox teaming up with Univision, in my opinion, is the most disastrous partnership I've witnessed since Bud Light hired Dylan Mulvaney," Greg Gutfeld criticized on Thursday, accusing Calderón of using a multitude of overused and predictable phrases that seemed intentionally designed by the DNC to manipulate both the candidates and the viewers.
Gutfeld wasnt alone in his outrage.
"The Univision anchors questions seem to come from the comments section of Salon and Vox," talk radio host Buck Sexton said.
"I think the Univision lady thinks shes at a Democratic Debate," Fox News commenter Tomi Lahren added.
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former South Carolina Governor and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, US Senator from South Carolina Tim Scott, and former US Vice President Mike Pence gather at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, on September 27, 2023, for the second Republican presidential primary debate.
Fact Check: The second GOP debate of the 2024 election raises concerns about the involvement of Univision and their questioning, as expressed by CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp. He criticizes the RNC for permitting what he perceives as biased line of questions, calling it unacceptable and demanding an end to such practices.
The journalists' questions sparked outrage, shedding light on a concerning trend prevalent in the Republican Party, particularly under the influence of Donald Trump. In recent years, right-wing figures have increasingly sought out friendly media platforms to express their claims without facing any challenges. This incident highlighted the level of insulation within the Republican Party, as it predominantly operates within right-wing media circles. Candidates willingly appear on outlets like Fox News and talk radio but refuse interviews with what they perceive as the adversarial "liberal media."
Within the right-wing media sphere, Republican candidates receive preferential treatment and are seldom challenged with tough questions. Interviews often resemble casual conversations between commentators who align with the candidates' political stances.
This closed feedback loop, which Calderón chose not to engage in, undeniably benefits companies such as Fox News. However, it raises concerns about the broader implications for the entire nation.
