Anticipation for the first presidential debate moderated by CNN reporters Jake Tapper and Dana Bash is generating controversy. Many, especially conservatives, express skepticism about whether the debate moderation will be rigged in favor of Democrat narratives. People point to the historical biases they see in both moderators and on CNN’s network.

The most pervasive concern is CNN's recurring bias against Donald Trump. Many voters say they do not trust Jake Tapper and Dana Bash to allow a fair debate. People are especially citing Tappers past comments about Trump his role in promoting Russiagate and other controversies.

Nobody Trusts Jake Tapper

Criticism against Jake Tapper is especially pronounced. There's a common theme that he is profoundly anti-Trump, with an inability to remain fair. Many discuss his ad nauseum coverage of the narrative that Trump is essentially Adolf Hitler.

Oh look, debate moderator Jake Tapper repeatedly comparing Trump to HitIer.

I'm sure this debate will be 100% fair.

pic.twitter.com/isshrBs72G

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) June 24, 2024

Many also point out Tapper's role in covering and legitimizing the leftist media’s Russiagate narrative, which has now been thoroughly disproven. They also cite his inability to hold a neutral stance when reporting on Trump’s comments or actions.

Here is Jake Tapper angrily demanding CNN cut off live coverage of Trump being greeted by Cubans in a Miami restaurant pic.twitter.com/zYFkGHQ2Ct

— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) June 24, 2024

Viral Clip of CNN Cutting Karoline Leavitt’s Mic

There is also significant outrage over a viral CNN clip in which Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt’s mic was cut when she criticized Jake Tapper. Many vies this incident as evidence of CNN's unwillingness to allow dissenting opinions, fueling calls for Trump to boycott the network's debate altogether.

The abrupt end to Leavitt's interview has compounded fears that any criticism of the moderators or the network will not be tolerated during the debate.

Like and retweet if you think Jake Tapper will be a partisan hack during the debate.
pic.twitter.com/ZYersdOb1Y

— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) June 24, 2024

Trump supporters express outrage at CNN’s clear bias against Trump and his allies. They argue Leavitt was well within fair bounds to point out historical biases from Jake Tapper. Voters view the incident as an attempt to suppress legitimate criticism of CNN’s impartiality.

Fears About Mainstream Media Bias

Another major point of contention is CNN's decision to restrict independent media from streaming or providing real-time commentary on the debate. Voters view this as a deliberate attempt to protect the so-called “elite media” and prevent alternative perspectives from reaching the public.

Right leaning voters call out CNN as a "propaganda network" rather than a legitimate news organization. This sentiment is not new but has intensified with the approach of the debate. These CNN critiques often include ire toward the broader media landscape.

Americans express suspicion around media covering up election rigging, censoring opposition, and manipulating voters with politicized narratives. These arguments express a broader disenchantment with mainstream media’s role in elections and American politics generally.

With a strong belief in mainstream media bias against conservatives, Trump supporters fear possibilities like:

• Moderators pushing unfair and slanted questions.
• Accusations about Trump’s felony convictions—to which he cannot respond by gag order.
• CNN producers muting Trump’s mic when he’s speaking.
• Conditions set up to hide Joe Biden’s declining cognitive state.

There is also a repeated belief the debate will be more of a three-against-one scenario, with Joe Biden, Jake Tapper, and Dana Bash combining forces against Donald Trump. Critics say Tapper and Bash will prop up Biden by framing the narrative in his favor, effectively silencing Republican voters.

Predictions About Candidate Performance

How voters perceive the potential performances of each candidate varies with political views. Trump supporters hope he will dominate the debate, leveraging his strong debate skills, clear communication, and ability to generate viral television moments. They often contrast him favorably against Biden’s lackluster public performances and his administration’s poor legacy. Conservatives are generally confident that Trump, even with inevitable media bias, will gain the upper hand.

Democratic voters believe Trump’s performance will contrast poorly with Biden's. They expect Trump to resort to combative and inflammatory rhetoric rather than substantive discussion. They express hope the debate will highlight what they see as Trump’s erratic and dishonest tendencies. This group also urges the moderators to challenge Trump rigorously on issues like the economy and social justice.

Related Debate Conversations

There is also some talk about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. being excluded from the debate stage. Many believe this undermines democratic processes and fuels accusations of bias from conservatives, Independents, and even some moderate Democrats.

This is a particularly sore spot since Kennedy qualified according to CNN's own criteria but is still being left out. Some also voice objections over the fact that neither Trump nor Biden have been officially nominated for their Parties. People view this as a greater injustice, saying a one-on-one debate is highly irregular before the Party conventions.

Adding to the controversy is a demand for Joe Biden to take a drug test before the debate. This unusual request stems from public opinion and media denial that Joe Biden is not cognitively or physically fit to be president. Many believe Biden's handlers provide him a cocktail of drugs before public appearances in hopes that his deterioration can be hidden.