RNC Suspends NBC News, Telemundo as Debate Partners

The Republican National Committee is suspending its participation in a scheduled February debate hosted by NBC News and Telemundo after complaints from GOP presidential campaigns about this week’s CNBC debate, RNC chairman Reince Priebus announced on Friday.

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“While debates are meant to include tough questions and contrast candidates’ visions and policies for the future of America, CNBC’s moderators engaged in a series of ‘gotcha’ questions, petty and mean-spirited in tone, and designed to embarrass our candidates,” Priebus said in a letter to NBC News and MSNBC chairman Andrew Lack.

Among the complaints Priebus cited: Insufficient focus on the debate’s theme of economic and financial issues, uneven screen time for candidates, and “inaccurate or downright offensive” questions. NBC News and CNBC share a parent company and operate independently.

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According to Priebus, the RNC will sanction a candidate debate for the same February 26 date, but as of now will only work with National Review, a conservative outlet that was also set to participate in the NBC/Telemundo debate.

“This is a disappointing development,” NBC News said in a statement. ”However, along with our debate broadcast partners at Telemundo we will work in good faith to resolve this matter with the Republican Party.”