In a plot twist no one saw coming, ABC has officially declared that it’s bowing out of the presidential debate business, citing both financial strain and a backlash of epic proportions. After years of hosting these political slugfests, ABC executives have finally thrown in the towel, reportedly muttering, “We can’t afford it,” as they exited the debate stage for the last time. The dramatic decision has sent shockwaves through the media world, with Fox News already stepping up to grab the spotlight for the next debate, ready to capitalize on what they see as an opportunity to “do it right.”

For those who have ever tuned in to an ABC-hosted debate, this news might be both surprising and, for some, a long time coming. Let’s be honest—watching ABC’s moderators juggle the chaos of Trump-era debates often felt like watching someone try to wrestle a tornado into submission. And with the 2024 election cycle turning into a political circus that makes the 2020 debates look like a polite tea party, ABC finally decided they’d had enough.