Tuesday night’s presidential debate was a spectacle of chaos and absurdity, with Donald Trump seemingly intent on outdoing himself with increasingly incoherent and fact-averse pronouncements. Kamala Harris, in contrast, displayed remarkable patience and composure, a testament to her strength as a candidate. While it was disheartening to see such a qualified individual forced to engage with such a divisive figure, the debate wasn’t entirely devoid of positive moments.
One of those positive moments was the performance of ABC’s Linsey Davis, who shared moderating duties with fellow ABC journalist David Muir. Muir brought the expected elder-statesman gravitas, but it was Davis who truly shone, asking some of the most challenging questions of the night. Her inquiries weren’t limited to Trump’s outlandish pronouncements; she also probed Harris on her stances on complex issues, highlighting perceived inconsistencies and exploring her positions on matters like Israel’s war in Gaza.
Davis’s composure and sharp questioning were no accident. She’s a seasoned journalist with an impressive resume, having hosted the Sunday edition of *World News Tonight* since 2021 and moderating presidential debates alongside prominent figures like George Stephanopoulos since 2019. Her meticulous preparation, reported by the *Washington Post*, was evident in the depth and clarity of her questions.
Her ability to cut through the noise was especially evident when she confronted Trump’s bizarre assertion that Democrats, and specifically the Harris campaign, supported “executing babies” after birth. “There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill the baby after it’s born,” she stated calmly, a stark reminder of the power of facts and clear communication in a world drowning in misinformation.
Linsey Davis’s performance on Tuesday night offered a glimmer of hope in a seemingly hopeless political landscape. She reminded viewers that journalism can still be a force for truth and clarity, even in the face of overwhelming chaos. In a world where the line between reality and fantasy is increasingly blurred, her unwavering commitment to facts and her ability to hold powerful figures accountable serves as an inspiring example for all journalists and citizens alike.
