Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) announced on Friday his intention to investigate claims of bias against former President Donald Trump during the Sept. 10 presidential debate hosted by ABC News.

Marshall expressed concern over accusations that debate moderators may have coordinated with Vice President Kamala Harris before the event, raising the issue of fairness in the debate process, as the Washington Examiner reports.

These claims, though denied by ABC News, have prompted significant backlash from Republicans.

Marshall’s investigation follows a wave of criticism from Trump supporters, who allege that the moderators unfairly targeted the former president and aided Harris.

In the wake of the debate, Harris was declared the winner in multiple polls, but Republicans argue that the vice president may have had prior access to the debate questions. This allegation stems from complaints that Harris appeared unusually prepared, sparking suspicion of collusion between ABC News and her campaign. Trump himself has openly criticized the debate as biased, going so far as to label it a “rigged show.”

Republican Concerns Over Moderator Behavior

Marshall’s investigation comes amid a broader Republican critique of how debates are moderated. David Muir and Linsey Davis, the moderators in question, were criticized by Trump and his allies for conducting real-time fact-checking during the debate. Republicans allege that such fact-checking skewed the debate against Trump, while allowing Harris to avoid similar scrutiny.

Trump, in a post-debate interview with Fox News, expressed frustration with the way the debate was handled. He suggested that Harris’s answers seemed rehearsed, implying that she had prior knowledge of the questions. “I watched her talk, and I said, ‘You know, she seems awfully familiar with the questions,’” Trump stated.

ABC News And Harris Campaign Deny Allegations

ABC News has firmly denied any accusations of collusion with the Harris campaign. Despite this, Marshall has committed to sending a formal letter demanding all relevant records, correspondence, and communication between ABC News and the Harris campaign leading up to the debate. The senator is calling for transparency regarding any potential coordination that could have taken place.

In response to the accusations, neither the Harris campaign nor ABC News has issued further public statements. Both parties declined to comment when approached by the Washington Examiner, allowing the controversy to continue without additional clarification.

Historical Precedent Raises Questions

The controversy echoes past incidents in which Republicans have questioned the integrity of debate processes. Many recall the 2016 presidential race, when Democratic National Committee member Donna Brazile was found to have leaked debate topics to Hillary Clinton’s campaign. That incident has since fueled Republican skepticism over the impartiality of major media outlets hosting debates.

Marshall’s current inquiry reflects a longstanding Republican belief that the mainstream media tends to favor Democratic candidates during debates. While no concrete evidence has emerged to support the latest claims involving Harris, the mere suggestion has further polarized an already divided political climate.

Trump’s Reaction to Debate

In addition to labeling the debate a “rigged show,” Trump has voiced reluctance to participate in any future debates with Harris. Although he initially expressed interest in debating her again, Trump reversed his stance following the September 10 event. He claimed that the alleged bias and coordination were reasons enough to bow out of any future engagements.

While Trump’s claims have energized his base, other observers have dismissed his accusations as unfounded. For example, Jordan Klepper, a comedian from The Daily Show, mocked Trump’s concerns, likening them to being suspicious of someone knowing the lyrics to a well-known song. Klepper joked, “It’s like being suspicious that someone knows all the words to ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game.’”

Republican Investigation Continues Amid Denials

Marshall’s vow to investigate these claims is part of a broader effort by Republicans to hold media outlets accountable for what they perceive as unfair treatment of their candidates. His letter to ABC News and the Harris campaign could potentially reveal new information, though it remains unclear whether any substantial evidence will surface.

The allegations of bias in presidential debates have become a recurring theme in American politics, particularly among conservatives. As Marshall’s inquiry proceeds, it will likely draw further attention to the role of media in shaping public perceptions of candidates.

Conclusion: A Divisive Issue Remains Unresolved

Sen. Roger Marshall’s pledge to investigate possible coordination between ABC News and Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the ongoing tension between Republicans and the media.

Allegations of bias, fact-checking controversies, and historical precedents all contribute to the contentious atmosphere surrounding debates. Though ABC News and the Harris campaign deny any wrongdoing, Marshall’s investigation promises to keep the issue alive in the coming weeks.

In summary, as Republicans push for transparency, the public awaits more information on whether any collusion took place during the September 10 debate. The claims and counterclaims are likely to fuel further partisan debates about media fairness and the integrity of presidential debates.