Some Republican candidates have launched a fundraising blitz off of CNBC’s poor handling of Wednesday night’s debate, seeking to capitalize on widespread anti-media sentiment among the conservative base.
Both Sen. Ted Cruz and Ben Carson sent emails to their supporters on Thursday seeking donations to help combat what the candidates portrayed as liberal bias in the mainstream media.
“Friend, I am declaring war on the liberal media, and I need to ask a personal favor from you. We need your immediate help to fight back — do that by clicking here to donate $35, $50, or $1,000,” the letter from Cruz begins.
Carson’s solicitation, which cites “ridiculous ‘gotcha’ questions” and “repeated attempts to get the candidates to fight each other,” directs backers to a donation page where they’re asked what changes they would like to see in the debate format.
Cruz and Carson have been among the most vocal critics of the mainstream media. The Texas Senator won thunderous applause from the debate audience in Boulder, Colorado, after accusing CNBC of trying to instigate a “cage match” between the candidates, while Carson told reporters Thursday that he intended to demand format changes for future debates.
Other candidates, including New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Donald Trump, also slammed the CNBC moderators on Wednesday night.
The Republican National Committee, which said it was “disappointed” by the debate, has also launched a petition to “put the mainstream media on notice” and asking for supporters’ email addresses, allowing the RNC to build its distribution list.
“CNBC should be ashamed. Biased questioning by CNBC moderators was a disservice to our candidates and to YOU the voters,” the RNC’s letter reads. “The RNC won’t stand for it. We will fight to protect our candidates.”
“Let’s put the mainstream media on notice,” it continues. “Send a clear message to moderators of upcoming debates that any bias won’t be tolerated. Add your name to join the fight.”
In addition to building its Rolodex, the RNC may also be seeking to warn future debate sponsors to ensure more controlled and substantive debates. The next Republican primary debate takes place November 10, and will be hosted by Fox Business Network.
Meanwhile, Christie, who won applause for his own attacks on the media Wednesday night, launched a separate fundraising effort on Thursday in repsonse to a New York Times editorial that called for him to drop out of the race.
“The New York Times is at it again. While pundits, outlets and voters have praised Christie’s ‘strong’ and ‘articulate’ debate performance, The New York Times couldn’t help being outdone by CNBC and show their true liberal bias,” read Christie’s letter, which directed readers to donate to his campaign.
It continued, “Republicans need someone tough enough, strong enough, and tested enough to stand up to the repeated attacks of the mainstream media and take on Hillary Clinton next fall.”