Moderator Kristen Welker Was the Winner of the Final Presidential Debate

QThe presidential debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday was actually a debate—in terms of what the definition of debate entails. Both candidates were a little more cordial toward each than they were in the first contentious debate. Most viewers are giving credit to the debate moderator, NBC News’ Kristen Welker. She had it under control and both candidates were respectful toward her.

Twitter gave Welker props and decided that she was the real winner of the presidential debate on Thursday.

Moderator Kristen Welker helped give Americans a substantive head-to-head debate over leadership that had been missing during the presidential campaign. #Debates2020https://t.co/vnzVoMNyxf

— The Associated Press (@AP) October 23, 2020

After days of despicable and utterly unfair attacks on her character and her family, @kwelkernbc displayed the grit, intelligence and presence needed to preside over a well-run debate. She is deserving of the praise of a grateful nation, and her colleagues are extremely proud.

— Steven Portnoy (@stevenportnoy) October 23, 2020

‘One of the best moderator jobs we’ve seen in years’https://t.co/sXeSV5J5Ru

— TheBlaze (@theblaze) October 23, 2020

NBC anchor and correspondent Kristen Welker expertly and authoritatively moderated the final presidential debate. When asked for his thoughts, Fox News’ Chris Wallace—who moderated the infamously chaotic first debate—said, ‘I’m jealous.’ #Debates2020 https://t.co/pyWLYAZw0X

— NowThis (@nowthisnews) October 23, 2020

After Fox News’ Chris Wallace failed to maintain order during the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, Kristen Welker was applauded for Thursday’s controlled exchange. https://t.co/XiU67u9LMj

— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) October 23, 2020

I’ve said it before; and I’ll continue to say it, Black Women will save our democracy! #KristenWelker 🔥 pic.twitter.com/x1uCjNoqDo

— Isaiah Jones (@MannyJones87) October 23, 2020

After a disaster of a first debate, Welker kept Trump in check and asked tough questions of both candidates. https://t.co/sbg52WuShV

— HuffPost (@HuffPost) October 23, 2020

Kristen Welker Draws Praise For Keeping Donald Trump-Joe Biden Debate Moving And Under Control https://t.co/Nd6GUbRnQu

— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) October 23, 2020

Commentators From Across The Spectrum Praise Kristen Welker As Debate Moderator https://t.co/IczFH56X3g

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) October 23, 2020

NBC’s Kristen Welker wins high praise from the left and right in moderating of final debate https://t.co/X8no8RnLjx

— TheBlaze (@theblaze) October 23, 2020

For the first time in many years, a stage on which President Trump appeared was not dominated by him. Thursday night’s debate stage belonged to the moderator, Kristen Welker. https://t.co/qj4ZlG1tYY

— The New Yorker (@NewYorker) October 23, 2020

Cheers to Kristen Welker (@kwelkernbc) who asked substantive questions, was incredibly prepared, and was able to lead an informative and controlled debate tonight. #Debates2020

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) October 23, 2020

I was proud to watch @kwelkernbc tonight, serving the public well with her skills as a moderator as she made history — the first black woman to moderate a presidential debate since 1992. Thankful for her excellent questions and consistent professionalism, tonight and every day.

— Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) October 23, 2020

On debate. BBC called @kwelkernbc “biggest winner”. Great job with the pressure on. https://t.co/1w4pZAtZgX

— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) October 23, 2020

Moderator Kristen Welker showed America how you run a useful, informative debate, that basically everyone watching applauded. https://t.co/AzA1CvfJxA #Debates2020

— Vox (@voxdotcom) October 23, 2020