Candidates show united front against media bias as CNBC debate backfires against network

Candidates accuse moderators of being rude and asking 'gotcha' questions during debate.

Republican candidates faced tough questions in last night's CNBC debate at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Marco Rubio summed the accusation best, saying that the media was acting as a super PAC for Hillary Clinton.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Last night's Republican debate was made intense by the sharp exchanges between the moderators and the candidates. Moderators from CNBC asked pointed, seemingly loaded questions of the candidates and instead of providing detailed answers -something difficult to do, given the format, candidates closed ranks against the moderators themselves.

Donald Trump referred to the questions as "ridiculous" and Sen. Ted Cruz accused CNBC of trying to stage a "cage match."

The debate contrasts with the CNN Democratic debate earlier in the month, which was largely focused on issues and was fairly cordial. The questions asked by Anderson Cooper were largely soft-pitched to the candidates and Hillary Clinton came out on top, especially after her chief rival, Bernie Sanders, gave her a pass on her illegal use of a private, unsecured email server.

In Boulder, candidates were asked to share their "biggest weakness" and what apps they use the most -questions that have no substantial bearing on their fitness for office.

Chris Christie, when interrupted mid-response by a moderator, replied "even in New Jersey, what you're doing is called rude." The audience cheered.

The audience appeared thrilled because the debate turned into a "media smackdown" for conservatives. American media is notoriously liberal, and this year they seem to be in love with Hillary Clinton, who despite powerful evidence of having committed crimes that would land most people in prison, no mainstream media outlet has called for her to be punished under the law.

Instead, the media seems intent on tearing down the Republican candidates, referring to them as "clowns" despite the fact that they are all experienced and successful politicians and business people.

While the true outcome of the debate will not be seen until the polls come in, it is likely that some of the underdogs, such as Carly Fiorina, and Marco Rubio may rise in the polls. Trump remains in the lead, and he is an outstanding speaker, filled with bold audacity. Other candidates, like Jeb Bush, appeared lackluster in comparison.

It is possible that more candidates will drop from the race, even though most experts believe it will tighten. It's difficult to imagine Trump losing his lead entirely, Carson may have peaked, and underdogs like Rubio and Fiorina may soon grab more of the spotlight. Bush continues to falter, and Christie, while he was popular during the debate, might remain flat in the polls.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich seemed to be the most level of all the candidates last night, criticizing his opponents of having fantasies about tax plans and pointing out that everyone else's ideas would cut taxes to much they would create massive deficits. The performance may save his candidacy for another debate, or could even build public interest so he becomes a viable contender.

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