9News anchor Kyle Clark catches Jimmy Kimmel's attention

• The debate's "big takeaway is the moderator," Kimmel told a live audience. "That's how you run a debate right there, like a drill sergeant. Give that man a raise."
• Two days later, the 9News anchor's reporting on the Colorado GOP's calls to burn Pride flags was spotlighted prominently on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show."

The intrigue: Clark's razor-sharp skills have sparked calls for him to moderate upcoming debates between President Biden and former President Trump.

What he's saying: Clark is open to the opportunity. "I think any journalist would be honored to moderate a presidential debate," he told Axios Denver in an email.

The big picture: Clark, whose reporting is no stranger to national attention, said what he appreciates is "that what people are taking notice of this time is our preparation and dedication to the truth," adding "we're doing this work for Coloradans every day."

• He noted: "I hope the attention on our 9NEWS debate encourages other journalists to lean into that kind of accountability journalism. We need a lot more of it."