NBC Muzzles Audience, Ruins Debate

By Maggie Haberman, Politico

Newt Gingrich has played the in-hall debate crowds like a fiddle, a fact that Mitt Romney's backers have noted as a factor for why he's been perceived as doing so well in the past.
 
Brian Williams, the NBC News moderator, asked the audience for quiet early on. That's happened at past debates, but this time they're obliging. Read more at politico.com

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By Jim Hoft, The Gateway Pundit

The Republican candidates are holding another debate tonight with NBC, National Journal and the Tampa Bay Times – three liberal news organizations.

Yes, Brian Williams is moderating the debate. The same Brian Williams who bowed to Obama.

Mitt Romney is on the attack in Tampa. He’s going after Newt hard.

Newt does a great job correcting the record on the bogus ethics charges against him in the 1990′s.

They shut down the audience. This is horrible.
Taking the crowd out of the debate handicaps Newt. It’s not fair. Read more at thegatewaypundit.com
 

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Tweeted During the Debate:

@DRUDGE: nbc allowing no clapping, cheering standing ovations @ debate changes dynamic. 'low energy' say heads, wanting xfactor circus peanut gallery

@JohnAvlon: Agree. RT @RichLowry: if the SC debates had been like this (dull, no audience reaction), gingrich wouldnt have the SC primary

@snarkandboobs: Brian Williams *has to* bring down his insane energy level! Nearing grandpa in the recliner after lunch levels. Hold him back!

@secupp: Wow, way to suck the air out of the room, NBC. #NoApplauseIsNoFun

@gatewaypundit: Taking the crowd out of the debate hurts Newt. Brilliant move NBC. Look for this technique in the fall. #FLDebate