How GOP’s ‘Media Bias’ Crusade Could Make Reporters Flinch

Republican presidential candidates beat up CNBC journalists like so many pinatas at Oct 28's debate, railing against what they called media bias and unfair questions -- a technique that could succeed in intimidating moderators in future debates. "You will see pulling of punches from some reporters,” veteran investigative reporter Mark Feldstein said on the heels of the GOP pundit pool voicing outrage against CNBC for what they saw as biased questions. The debate was highlighted by anti-media rants from Donald Trump, Sen Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Gov Chris Christie (R-NJ), reigniting a war against a favored opponent -- the liberal media conspiracy.

Republican National Committee chair Rence Priebus scolded: “CNBC should be ashamed of how this debate was handled,” citing “gotcha” questions and “low blows.” “Particularly in TV…you’ll see reporters from CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, they may be a little more careful on how they phrase their questions, they may be a little more cautious at using a phrase that can be considered inflammatory,” Feldstein predicted about what journalists will do after the debate.