After CNBC received a barrage of backlash for their insulting questions during the last 2016 GOP debate, Fox Business was not about to make the same mistake. Before diving into the policy issues at tonight's event in Milwaukee, moderator Neil Cavuto thought it appropriate to address the "elephant in the room." He ensured the audience that tonight's debate would have one aim only: give the candidates a chance to share their plans for the economy.
“We are focused on those issues,” he said. “That is the agenda tonight.”
Even before the stage was set, Cavuto hinted that he and his colleagues would take a much different tone from that of CNBC.
“I think you can ask very tough questions without coming off like an ass. I think it’s incumbent on us to know and appreciate the difference.”
If the candidates do take offense at tonight's questions, however, Cavuto said they should be mindful to not come across as "whiners" and "babies."
So far, it seems people are pleased with the nature of tonight's debate.
Neil Cavuto is doing a great job of balancing questions, follow up, and tone.
— Nick Confessore (@nickconfessore) November 11, 2015Excellent questions so far by moderators @gerardtbaker @TeamCavuto @MariaBartiromo #GOPDebate @FoxBusiness @WSJ
— Veronica Dagher (@VeronicaDagher) November 11, 2015