I thought CNN was doing a surprisingly good job at last night’s Democratic presidential debate until moderator Don Lemon asked the following questions:

To 2020 hopeful Beto O’Rourke, Lemon asked, “President Trump is pursuing a reelection strategy based in part, on racial division. How do you convince primary voters that you’d be the best nominee to take on President Trump and heal the racial divide in America?”

Next, he asked Sen. Amy Klobuchar, “What do you say to those Trump voters, who prioritize the economy over the president’s bigotry?”

As you might expect, neither candidate acted as if Lemon’s loaded question was at all out of line. It was as if Lemon had just stated a fact and both answered without missing a beat.

Klobuchar's message to voters who prioritize the economy over the President's bigotry: "There are people that voted for Donald Trump before that aren't racist, they just wanted a better shake in the economy … But I don't think anyone can justify what this President is doing" pic.twitter.com/j940BOSq8L

— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) July 31, 2019

As the Russian collusion and obstruction of justice narratives lose their steam, the Democrats have pivoted to a new line of attack, “Trump is a racist.” And Don Lemon is one of its most enthusiastic promoters.

But this was a national presidential debate. It was not the appropriate venue for him to flaunt his highly partisan views.

Anyway, President Trump wasn’t too happy with Don Lemon and this is not the first time the two have tangled.

Trump sent out a tweet:

CNN’s Don Lemon, the dumbest man on television, insinuated last night while asking a debate “question” that I was a racist, when in fact I am “the least racist person in the world.” Perhaps someone should explain to Don that he is supposed to be neutral, unbiased & fair, or is he too dumb (stupid) to understand that. No wonder CNN’s ratings (MSNBC’s also) have gone down the tubes – and will stay there until they bring credibility back to the newsroom. Don’t hold your breath!

….or is he too dumb (stupid} to understand that. No wonder CNN’s ratings (MSNBC’s also) have gone down the tubes – and will stay there until they bring credibility back to the newsroom. Don’t hold your breath!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 31, 2019

It is incredible to me that CNN continues to present Don Lemon as a serious journalist. He squandered his credibility a long time ago. Still, Lemon has remained one of the network’s primetime anchors and is even chosen to moderate a major debate.

CNN, the most trusted name in news.

Is it really any surprise that CNN’s ratings have cratered over the past year?