The first question of the December debate for the Democratic presidential nomination was about the impeachment of President Trump. And it did not go as planned.
Except she called Steyer, “Mr. Yang,” referring to businessman and Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang.
“Mr. Yang, what more—” Woodruff said, looking towards Steyer.
Then Yang spoke from the opposite side of the debate stage.
“I’m over here.”
Woodruff continued looking towards Steyer.
“Mr. Yang, what more—” she said.
Then Yang clapped five times, in quick succession. He raised a finger, then ― at least from a view of his back — appeared to let out an exasperated sigh.
Viewers were not impressed. It was rude, several people said, for Yang to clap so aggressively. Some wondered whether he would have treated a male moderator the same way.
Andrew Yang CLAPPING at debate moderator Judy Woodruff because she accidentally said his name while addressing Tom Steyer was incredibly rude and I don't for one second believe he would have reacted that way toward a man. #DemDebate
— Kendally Brown (@kendallybrown) December 20, 2019
Yoooo Andrew Yang clapping at the moderator was mad rude #DemDebate
— Olivia Pope Francis (@secofreal) December 20, 2019
I'm sorry but I didn't like how Yang was clapping at Judy Woodruff to correct her misnaming Steyer. It was a mistake but he was trying to get her attention like she was a dog. Not a respectful way to handle it, imo. #DemDebate
— Alicia Fox (@aliciafoxrocks) December 20, 2019
Some questioned how this might affect the future of the Yang campaign.
Andrew Yang may have just torpedoed his campaign by clapping at Judy.
— maurness (@maurness) December 20, 2019
When Woodruff realized her mistake, she apologized.
Steyer answered the question, followed by Yang.
Yang has previously expressed frustration that the news media has not given his candidacy the attention it deserves, particularly during the debates. He has received considerably less speaking time in previous debates than other candidates, prompting one of his campaign slogans: “We turn seconds into substance.”
Later on in the debate, another moderator, Politico political correspondent Tim Alberta, addressed Yang as “Senator.”
Yang has never served in elected office.
