David Muir Faces Ratings Drop After Hosting ‘One-Sided’ ABC Debate

ABC News anchor David Muir has experienced a significant ratings drop following his role as moderator in last week’s highly criticized debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Muir, along with co-moderator Linsey Davis, has faced backlash for perceived bias during the event, which many viewers felt was stacked in favor of Harris.

The debate, likely the only showdown between the two 2024 presidential nominees, saw Muir repeatedly fact-checking Trump while allowing Harris to push debunked claims without challenge. According to a report from the New York Post, Muir’s show, World News Tonight, averaged just 6.7 million viewers on the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday following the debate a 12% drop from the 7.6 million viewers he averaged earlier this year.

While other nightly news programs, including CBS’s Evening News and NBC’s Nightly News, saw slight drops in ratings following the debate, ABC’s decline was much more pronounced. Although Muir remains the top-rated anchor in terms of overall viewership, the sharp decline indicates dissatisfaction with his moderation of the debate.

Critics have been quick to point out the obvious bias during the debate. Muir and Davis fact-checked Trump at several points, with some of those checks later called into question. At the same time, Harris was not pressed on her claims, nor did she receive follow-up questions like Trump did. This one-sided approach did not go unnoticed.

Trump himself called the event “one against three,” adding, “It was so one-sided.” The former president expressed disappointment in Muir, saying, “If the moderators were going to be fair and honest, Harris should have been fact-checked too.”

Criticism has only mounted in the days since, with many accusing ABC of playing favorites. Muir, who has long been seen as a respected figure in broadcast news, now faces questions about his credibility in the wake of the debate. Trump supporters and independent critics alike have voiced their concerns about the apparent double standard displayed during the event.

As the fallout continues, Muir's handling of the debate could have lasting effects on his standing among viewers, especially as the 2024 election approaches. Whether ABC will address the criticism remains to be seen, but for now, the damage is clear: viewers are tuning out.

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