Political expert Tim Young labelled the set up “like the Trump name-calling Olympics” as he savaged the network while speaking to Fox News. The coverage was also mocked as the station place a long countdown clock to tell viewers when the debate would begin. According to Fox News, Dan Gainor, Media Research Centre vice president said: “CNN says it took eight days to build this ridiculous set with nine filled semi-trucks and more than 500 lights.
“It’s nice to see that CNN is gearing up for climate change questions.“
Another prominent figure, NewsBusters managing editor Curtis Houck added: “CNN’s over-the-top coverage has shown how unserious they are about fostering sober, substantive coverage of what could very well be the most important election of our lifetimes.
“CNN has brought everything that people across the political spectrum have come to despise countdown clocks, massive panels, ‘College Gameday’-like sets, snarky chyrons, self-righteous ‘Reliable Sources’ newsletters about their supposed greatness, and refusing to look inward about why their ratings are so pitiful to name a few.”
But in summing up, Mr Young concluded: “This is like Trump-hating porn for CNN. They have 2 nights of piles of people calling him racist, misogynist.
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“I can only imagine the anchors are welling up with tears of joy.”
Also mocked on the night was candidate Beto O’Rourke.
In a previous debate he spoke in Spanish, but on this occasion didn’t.
Twitter users were left let down following its absence.
Mr O’ Rourke has 19 opponents for securing the nomination.
The most notable include former Vice-President Joe Biden, New York City mayor Bill de Blasio, Hawaiian Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, California senator Kamala Harris, Vermont senator Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren.
2020’s Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee in July will see nominations for President and Vice-President chosen by party delegates.
Donald Trump is seeking the Republican nomination to stand for re-election, his opponent is former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld, who stood as the Libertarian Party’s nomination for Vice-President in 2016.