Carly Mallenbaum

USA TODAY

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump went head to head for the third time Wednesday night, but it was moderator Chris Wallace's first time in the hot seat.

Wallace, the veteran journalist, is the first Fox News personality to moderate a general election debate. After NBC's Lester Holt was widely criticized for his debate performance; and co-moderators Anderson Cooper, of CNN, and Martha Raddatz, of ABC News, were largely praised for their handling of the presidential face off; how was Wallace's debut reviewed?

The definitive ranking of presidential (and VP) debate moderators

Here's what viewers of the exchange in University of Nevada in Las Vegas said about Wallace social media:

Before the debate began, viewers thought of Notorious BIG

The late rapper's name was Christopher Wallace, which is very similar to journalist Chris Wallace's name.

Wallace started with a Constitution question, and Twitter respected his authority.

The moderator made it very clear that he'd tolerate no cheers or booing during the debate.

Twitter gave Wallace props for pressing Trump on Roe v. Wade.

Does Trump want it overturned? He wouldn't say definitively.

Wallace continued to ask specific policy questions, and earned many fans.

He navigated discussion of abortion and citizenship.

Wallace was praised for his efforts at keeping the debate on track.

"I'm not a potted plant, here, I do get to ask questions," he said.

Twitter found it amusing that Wallace had to stop the audience from laughing.

What made them giggle? Trump saying, "No one has more respect for women than I do."

Twitter cheered for Wallace's fact-checking skills.

The journalist shared his knowledge of Trump's lawsuit details, despite the fact that he said he wasn't planning on being the "truth squad." He also face-checked what was said in earlier debates.

Wallace for president?

Many viewers thought the Fox News journalist won the debate, especially after he asked a question about the national debt.



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