In a heated exchange on CNN, host Kasie Hunt abruptly ended an interview with Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt after she criticized CNN colleagues Dana Bash and Jake Tapper for their alleged bias against President Trump. The clash occurred ahead of the highly anticipated debate set to take place on Thursday between President Trump and Democratic candidate Joe Biden, which will be moderated by Bash and Tapper.

Leavitt argued that President Trump knowingly enters a hostile environment on CNN due to the biased coverage by debate moderators Bash and Tapper, who have made their opinions about him well-known over the past eight years. However, Hunt responded defensively, claiming that Bash and Tapper have been professional in their coverage of previous campaigns and interviews with candidates from all sides of the aisle.

As the conversation escalated, Leavitt attempted to argue that Tapper has a history of biased commentary on the former president. Frustrated with the continued attacks on her colleagues, Hunt threatened to stop the interview if the criticism persisted. Eventually, she cut the interview short and redirected the discussion back to the upcoming debate and the candidates themselves.

Following the clash, Hunt turned to the CNN panel and acknowledged the likelihood of further attacks from Trump supporters regarding the debate's conduct. CNN's John King agreed that it seemed to be a deliberate strategy by the Trump team.

In response to the criticism, a CNN spokesperson emphasized the extensive experience of Bash and Tapper as well-respected veteran journalists who have covered politics for over five decades combined. The spokesperson expressed confidence in their ability to co-moderate a substantial and fact-based discussion during the debate in Atlanta on June 27.

Both Biden and Trump have agreed to the rules of the debate, including muted microphones outside of their speaking time, no live audience, no pre-written notes, and no consultation with campaign aides during breaks. CNN contributor Van Jones warned that any slip-up in the debate would be detrimental for Biden's campaign, stating that a strong performance against Trump would validate his position as a deserving candidate for the presidency.

The clash between CNN host Kasie Hunt and Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt underscores the ongoing tension surrounding perceptions of bias in media coverage, particularly in the realm of political debates. As the stage is set for the upcoming face-off between President Trump and Joe Biden, all eyes will be on the moderators' ability to uphold a fair and balanced discussion.