Ex-Rep. Claims Holt Helped Clinton in Debate But Was Not 'In the Bag'

Former Rep. Michael Flanagan told Newsmax TV that Lester Holt might have subtly helped Hillary Clinton as the NBC News anchor moderated Monday's presidential debate, but Flanagan does not believe Holt was given marching orders to take sides.

"I don't think Lester Holt is in the bag," Flanagan — who served as an Illinois congressman and now heads Flanagan Consulting LLC, a Washington D.C. lobbying firm — said Thursday to J.D. Hayworth on "America Talks Live."

"I do think that he did everything he possibly could to support Clinton, but I think that was more about keeping his standing in the community of broadcasters after the beating that Matt Lauer took . . .

"I think that's as far as Lester went in the bag of Mrs. Clinton, but that was far enough and he did a terrible job."

See J.D. Hayworth on Newsmax TV: Tune in beginning at 12 PM EDT to see "America Talks Live" — on FiOS 115, YouTube Livestream, Newsmax TV App from any smartphone, NewsmaxTV.com, Roku, Amazon Fire – More Systems Here

Flanagan's mention of Lauer referred to the NBC "Today" show host's stint as moderator of a candidate's forum earlier this month. Critics accused Lauer of rushing Clinton through her answers and letting Trump make unsubstantiated claims.

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