Watch CBS News

5 Facts About Presidential Debate Moderator, Lester Holt

The presidential debate airs Monday at 9 p.m,. between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, live from Hofstra University. While many are waiting to see how the two candidates attack each other, how much do you know about the man who will be moderating the debate?

Here are 5 facts you didn't know about the accomplished NBC Nightly News anchor.

  • Last year, Holt became the 1st African American to become the lead anchor on a broadcast network's (NBC Nightly News) weekday newscast. He replaced journalist Brian Williams.
  • "When there's breaking news, I don't want to leave the chair," said Holt in a 2004 interview with People magazine. This is how Holt became known as "Iron Pants" while working at NBC.
  • Holt has two sons with his wife Carol Hagen-Holt. One of Holt's sons, Stefan, takes after Holt, scoring a position as a broadcast journalist with NBC New York.
  • In 2013, Holt made a cameo appearance on an episode of NBC's Law and Order SVU, playing the role of a news anchor.
  • In 1990, Holt won the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award because of his contribution to CBS' 48 Hours: No Place Like Home.

You can watch Monday's debate live on WBZ-TV, CBSBoston.com and the CBS Boston Facebook page, or listen live on WBZ NewsRadio 1030, CBSBoston.com and the Radio.com app.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.