Carolyn Washburn Takes Control

Today’s debate is being moderated by a fairly unknown Carolyn Washburn, who is the first non-TV/radio moderator during this primary debate cycle. And for a non-TV/radio personality suddenly thrust onto CNN, Fox News and MSNBC, Washburn is taking control.

She is handily enforcing rules, cutting candidates off and reprimanding them if they do not stick to time. As her request for a show of hands regarding climate change went unheeded by the candidates, she had this testy exchange with Fred Thompson and Mitt Romney:

Washburn: Is that yes or no for you? Do you believe that global climate change is a serious threat and caused by human…

Thompson: Well, do you want to give me a minute to answer that?

Washburn: No, I don’t.

Thompson: Well then I’m not going to answer it.

Washburn: Okay…

Romney: How about 30 seconds?

Washburn: No.

Earlier, during a quick-response section she urged the candidates to be “a little snappier, gentlemen,” to some chuckles from the stage.

Washburn seems to be having better success at maintaining control then recent moderators. Washburn will host tomorrow’s Democratic debate as well.

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