Others, however, weren’t so thrilled. “ABC just fired two of the best journalists on television because they told the truth,” tweeted one user. “Is this where we are now?”
Even Elon Musk jumped into the conversation, posting, “ABC proves once again: reality is optional.”
While ABC execs might be patting themselves on the back for restoring “balance” to the debate stage, Muir and Davis are unlikely to disappear quietly into the night. Both journalists have built careers on integrity and fact-based reporting—qualities that, apparently, are no longer desirable in the world of televised politics.
In a joint statement, Muir and Davis expressed disappointment in ABC’s decision but vowed to continue their commitment to the truth. “We stood by our principles,” they said. “If that makes us a disgrace to our profession, then so be it.”
Rumors are already swirling that the duo might team up for a new podcast called “Fact-Check This,” where they’ll be free to call out political lies without fear of retribution from network brass. And who knows? With the way things are going, maybe they’ll be the next big thing on YouTube, fact-checking debates live while the actual moderators sit back and sip tea.
ABC’s decision to fire Muir and Davis may have been shocking, but it’s also emblematic of a broader trend in today’s media landscape: the death of accountability. In a world where “alternative facts” have become a staple of political discourse, the role of debate moderators has shifted from fact-finders to silent observers, tasked only with ensuring that both candidates have ample time to mislead the public equally.
