RNC Chair Reince Priebus: CNBC Should Be Ashamed of How This Debate Was Handled”

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus released a statement on last night’s Republican presidential debate on CNBC, stating they “should be ashamed of how this debate was handled.”

“While I was proud of our candidates and the way they handled tonight’s debate, the performance by the CNBC moderators was extremely disappointing and did a disservice to their network, our candidates, and voters,” Priebus said in a statement Thursday morning. “Our diverse field of talented and exceptionally qualified candidates did their best to share ideas for how to reinvigorate the economy and put Americans back to work despite deeply unfortunate questioning from CNBC.

Priebus’ statement echoed comments he made in a post-debate interview with CNN, during which he said he was “very disappointed with the moderators.” In one moment, CNBC moderator John Hardwood actually lied about Rubio’s tax plan, which he did prior and corrected with a tweet.

“One of the great things about our party is that we are able to have a dynamic exchange about which solutions will secure a prosperous future, and I will fight to ensure future debates allow for a more robust exchange,” Priebus added. “CNBC should be ashamed of how this debate was handled.”