There was a heated debate between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden.
The candidates interrupted each other time and time again and Fox News anchor Chris Wallace was repeatedly reminded of the rules of the game, which both parties agreed on in advance.
In the aftermath, criticism has been leveled at Wallace for failing to retain control of the candidates.
But SVT's Anders Holmberg, who himself leads debates in Aktuellt och Agenda, believes that the host cannot be blamed for the situation.
- Those who criticize Chris Wallace harshly have probably never been in a similar situation themselves.
I feel strong sympathy for him and think that he did the best he could in extremely difficult circumstances.
He really tries to maintain the rules of the game, but when Trump in particular just shit in it ... then it's tricky, says Anders Holmberg.
"Try to help the viewers"
What can you do as a presenter in a situation like this?
- They try to help the viewers and tell the politicians that: “here it becomes incomprehensible.
You can not keep up when you talk to each other '.
Wallace also told Trump that "your team has adhered to these rules of the game."
- Then you have to try to assert your authority as a questioner.
You can not agree to a question being interrupted before the question has been asked.
Wallace tried, but still failed.
"Still got a lot of answers"
Is it worth having TV debates when they get this messy?
- Absolutely.
What is the alternative?
That Trump and Biden should send in pre-recorded speeches?
This type of debate is a vital part of democracy.
Even if this debate largely breaks down, it will be something for the viewers and voters to decide on.
You get to see how Biden handles Trump's attacks and vice versa.
You got a lot of answers about these people's characters.