TV Rivals Pan Jim Lehrer At First Debate

The longtime presidential debate moderator let the candidates push him around repeatedly on Wednesday.

DENVER, Colo. — PBS host Jim Lehrer, the familiar face behind the desk at many presidential debates, was head-scratchingly absent from the first debate between Mitt Romney and President Obama, and drew scathing reactions from television figures from David Gregory to Lou Dobbs.

Their criticism: Lehrer let both candidates run roughshod over his time limits and efforts to push them into different topics and segments. His style allowed the candidates to repeat their points at will with hardly any interruption — but at times failed to forced them to truly debate each energetically.

Lehrer’s defenders pointed to a meaty debate that didn’t lack for contrast, but his peers were harsh:

David Gregory @davidgregory Follow

Would be great to have more follow up to pin down their views

1:26 AM - 4 Oct 12

• Reply
• Retweet
• Favorite

Piers Morgan @piersmorgan

This isn't a debate, it's just a polite exchange of views. Come on Jim, get in there and rev things up a bit! #PMTdebate

2:09 AM - 4 Oct 12

• Reply
• Retweet
• Favorite

Michael Wolff @MichaelWolffNYC Follow

But, seriously, Jim Lehrer who has been unconscious for at least 15 years, has to be dealt with. This is a national problem.

2:14 AM - 4 Oct 12

• Reply
• Retweet
• Favorite

Roger Stone @RogerJStoneJr Follow

Congratulation Jim Lehrer on your 96th birthday !

2:13 AM - 4 Oct 12

• Reply
• Retweet
• Favorite

FreeRangeK @FreeRangeK Follow

RT @MSignorile: Jim Leher is a disaster, really. Generally like him. But... Why is he moderating this? #2012debate.

2:16 AM - 4 Oct 12

• Reply
• Retweet
• Favorite

Mike Signorile @MSignorile Follow

Jim Leher is a disaster, really. Generally like him. But... Why is he moderating this? #2012debate.

2:13 AM - 4 Oct 12

• Reply
• Retweet
• Favorite

Lizz Winstead @lizzwinstead Follow

Jim Lerher has become The Larry King of PBS #MockTheVote #Debates

2:18 AM - 4 Oct 12

• Reply
• Retweet
• Favorite

VANITY FAIR @VanityFair Follow

SNL writers thanking GOD everyone is being so mean to poor Jim Lehrer!

1:50 AM - 4 Oct 12

• Reply
• Retweet
• Favorite

lou dobbs @loudobbsnews Follow

Lehrer isn't doing well, Romney is aggressive in the nicest way, and the President blowing hard.

1:55 AM - 4 Oct 12

• Reply
• Retweet
• Favorite

Bill Maher @billmaher

Hey Lehrer, you're the fucking ref, stop letting the Mittbot bully you - he can't fire YOU

2:12 AM - 4 Oct 12

• Reply
• Retweet
• Favorite