Jim Lehrer answers debate critics

9:54 AM, Oct 5, 2012   |    comments
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PBS NewsHour's Jim Lehrer, who didn't exactly earn raves for his presidential debate moderating skills this week, issued a statement Thursday in response.

Lehrer said part of his job was simply "to stay out of the way," reports Politico, and that he "had no problems with doing so."

He continues: "I thought the format accomplished its purpose, which was to facilitate direct, extended exchanges between the candidates about issues of substance. Part of my moderator mission was to stay out of the way of the flow and I had no problems with doing so. My only real personal frustration was discovering that ninety minutes was not enough time in that more open format to cover every issue that deserved attention."

Meanwhile, Jimmy Fallon spoofed Lehrer on his Late Night show last night.