In a blog post for The Hill, Media Matters contributor James Carville proposed that Media Matters “sponsor a fair GOP presidential debate” alongside Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, and Laura Ingraham following the suggestion of conservatives who baselessly claimed previous Republican presidential debates have been moderated by “left-wing operatives.”

Unhappy with the October 28 CNBC Republican presidential primary debate, GOP politicians and campaigns have rallied to seek greater control over future debate formats. Their proposals, including a list of debate demands, have been openly mocked by the media. One recommendation, pitched by presidential candidate Ted Cruz, to hold a Republican “debate moderated by Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, and Rush Limbaugh” has been echoed across right-wing media, who have called for more conservative influence in the debate process.

Carville explained November 4 that after the CNBC debate, “Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) called the CNBC moderators 'left-wing operatives' who were out to sabotage the debate,” and suggested “that Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and Mark Levin should come together to moderate” the next one. Carville wrote that Media Matters would be “glad to step in and help sponsor a fair GOP presidential debate” moderated by Limbaugh, Hannity, Levin, and Ingraham, saying “we could not be happier than to allow the clowns of right-wing radio to speak straight to the masses and reveal their true colors. Noting that these right-wing talk radio hosts have a problematic history when it comes to their coverage of most issues, Carville concluded, if “these are the folks that you want representing your movement, we're in”:

After the debate, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) called the CNBC moderators “left-wing operatives” who were out to sabotage the debate. Now folks, I don't know about you, but I don't think of a network that is full of hosts that regularly deny that climate change is real and is home to Rick Santelli who basically launched the Tea Party with an on-air rant is OUT TO GET the GOP candidates.

Ladies and gentlemen I've seen a lot of things in my time. But I never thought I'd see a day when my colleague Joan Walsh agreed with Ted Cruz. And you know what, I do too. He made an interesting suggestion that Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and Mark Levin should come together to moderate a GOP debate. The Nation's Walsh had it right when she said of Cruz's suggestion, “I think the world should get a clear look at the unvarnished spectacle of a Republican Party that is now run by the 'conservative entertainment complex.'”

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Folks, I've been authorized by Media Matters Chairman David Brock to make the following proposal:

We would be glad to step in and help sponsor a fair GOP presidential debate alongside those “real journalists” Ted Cruz is so fond of, and the circus clowns who would be joining us. Let's see who we'd have:

Rush Limbaugh -- You know the guy who once called a law student a slut for believing she deserved access to birth control, regularly calls high powered women “feminazis,” who, on at least one occasion, said he hoped that President Obama “fails,” and has a long history of attacking the LGBT community.

Sean Hannity - The guy who in 2008 said it was “my job” to lead “the 'Stop Hillary Express.' By the way, now it's the 'Stop Obama Express.'” Later that year, Hannity received Media Matters' misinformer of the year award - and repaid us by giving Media Matters his “first annual Left-Wing Obamamania Media Propaganda PC Police Award.” Hannity also has a history of race bating, fueling the birther movement, and defending attacks on Islam. Quite a stand up guy. And good news folks, Hannity says he's in!

Mark Levin - The right-wing radio host who consistently complains that conservatives aren't conservative enough -- calling then-Speaker Boehner the “Benedict Arnold” of the Republican Party for attempting to compromise with Democrats and attacking incoming House Speaker Ryan for not being conservative enough.

Laura Ingraham -- For good measure, let's also throw in this conservative radio host, who, on her show [Monday], endorsed the idea of co-moderating a GOP debate with fellow right-wing radio hosts. Ingraham claimed she would “be fair to all the candidates” -- but the Fox contributor has repeatedly attacked GOP candidates including Jeb Bush-- saying “there has to be something wrong with” him, that she's “not a fan,” and suggesting that Bush and Hillary Clinton run on the same ticket. That's how “fair” she'd be as a debate moderator.

So yes, Republican Party, if these are the folks that you want representing your movement, we're in. Media Matters would love to join with the GOP and expose for the public the true beliefs of the “real” conservative media.