I think I get the mistrust of the media. It took three articles to put together a picture of the SC #DemDebate ticket pricing. 400 tickets distributed to various people to be given to those they rub elbows with. And then gift tickets for sponsors giving $1750 or more.

Haven't seen an article that talked about attendance numbers. That would help put the 400 into perspective.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/25/us/politics/south-carolina-debate-audience.html

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/no-democratic-debate-tickets-were-not-1-750-to-3-200-each