Vice Presidential Debate on CBS: A Call for Truth
Tuesday night, we have the only debate between the Vice Presidential candidates, airing on CBS. However, CBS has decided not to have its moderators fact-check the debate. This decision is concerning, especially when one of the candidates, JD Vance, has a history of spreading misinformation.
Why Fact-Checking Matters
Vance’s False Claims:
- Haitians eating dogs and cats (they are not).
- Trump lowered the price of insulin (this was actually done by Biden and Harris for seniors through the Inflation Reduction Act, which received no votes from Republicans).
- If immigration were so good for a country, then the US would have the best economy in the world (we do have the best economy in the world).
On the other hand, Tim Walz is not known for lying, but if he does make false statements, we need to know.
Hold CBS Accountable
We need to elevate this issue and shame CBS into doing the right thing. Journalists are supposed to present the truth. Wendy McMahon, CEO of CBS News, should be held accountable for enabling the spread of lies and disinformation. We need formal oversight to hold media executives responsible.
How You Can Help
Let’s complain to CBS News! Here’s their contact information:
Address:
CBS Evening News
524 West 57th St.
New York, NY 10019
Email: evening@cbsnews.com
Phone: (212) 975-3247
Consumer Alert: Know of a scam that needs investigating? Email us at scams@cbsnews.com.
Weekend Editions Contact Information
Address:
CBS Evening News, Saturday Edition or CBS Evening News, Sunday Edition
524 West 57th St.
New York, NY 10019
Email: weekend@cbsnews.com
Phone: (212) 975-3247
Spread the Word
A great way to shame CBS into action is to complain to other media outlets. Please contact them, and share this story to elevate it so others see it.
Update: Persist for Truth
Someone mentioned that an email did not get through. One of mine bounced as well, the one to evening@cbsnews.com. But this is important, so I ask people to persist.
A link to a contact form was in one of the comments, here it is. You will be asked to name a show, just name one and tell them to forward your complaint.
In another comment: Contact Us; PHONE · 212-975-4321; NEWSLINE · 800-CH-2-NEWS (800-242-6397); ASSIGNMENT DESK: 212-975-5867, desk@cbs2ny.com; CBS NEWS NE
Note: I get really ticked off when their email addresses do not work!
Second Update: Some Fact-Checking Planned
Apparently, there will be some fact-checking. CBS is planning to provide QR codes that people can scan to get the truth as provided by 20 journalists. From Straight Arrow News:
CBS News will host a highly anticipated vice-presidential debate on Tuesday, Oct. 1, featuring Ohio Sen. JD Vance, R, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, D. In a first for the network, the debate will include a new interactive element that allows viewers to access additional context for the candidates’ answers.
During the broadcast, CBS viewers will see a QR code on their screens for extended periods. When scanned with a smartphone, the code will direct users to the CBS News website, where a team of about 20 journalists will provide what the network calls “real-time fact-checks” of the candidates’ statements.
Also, the candidates are encouraged to challenge each other when the other lies: Tom Jones, Poynter
CBS News said it will be up to the candidates — and not the moderators — to fact-check one another.
The Role of Moderators
In the first presidential debate of this campaign cycle between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, CNN moderators did not fact-check the candidates. But during the debate between Trump and Kamala Harris, ABC moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis fact-checked Trump on at least four occasions, including Trump’s claims that pets were being eaten in Springfield, Ohio, and false claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him.
The way Muir and Davis handled it seemed perfect, even though Trump supporters cried foul. The moderators called out obviously false statements. While, yes, they are moderators, they also are journalists and have the responsibility to note when a candidate says something that clearly is not true.
They didn’t dwell on their fact-checking. They didn’t drag it out into long statements. They simply took what was said and corrected it and moved on.
Instead of leaving it up to the candidates to correct one another, it seems just as productive to correct blatant lies and then let the candidate respond to that if they wish. (It should be noted that CBS said its CBS News Confirmed will provide real-time fact-checking during the debate on its live blog and on social media, and then the post-debate analysis will include some of that fact-checking.)
Truth Matters
But it needs our help. Again, thanks.
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FAQs About the VP Debate Fact-Checking Controversy
The recent controversy surrounding CBS’s decision not to fact-check the VP debate has sparked widespread interest. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
1. Why did CBS refuse to fact-check the VP debate?
CBS has stated that they did not fact-check the VP debate because they wanted to maintain the integrity of the debate format and allow the candidates to present their arguments without interference.
2. What are the implications of not fact-checking the VP debate?
The lack of fact-checking during the VP debate could lead to the dissemination of misinformation, which can influence public opinion and potentially affect the outcome of the election.
3. How can viewers ensure they are getting accurate information from the debate?
Viewers can verify information presented during the debate by cross-checking it with reputable news sources and fact-checking websites. They can also rely on post-debate analysis from trusted media outlets.
4. What role do fact-checkers play in political debates?
Fact-checkers play a crucial role in political debates by verifying the accuracy of statements made by candidates. This helps voters make informed decisions based on truthful information.
5. How can CBS be held accountable for not fact-checking the VP debate?
CBS can be held accountable by public pressure, media scrutiny, and potential backlash from viewers who demand accurate information. Additionally, fact-checking organizations and independent media outlets can highlight discrepancies and inaccuracies.
6. What are some examples of misinformation that might have been spread during the VP debate?
Examples of misinformation could include false claims about policies, economic data, or historical events. These claims can be identified and corrected by fact-checking organizations and independent media outlets.
7. How can citizens contribute to ensuring accurate information during political debates?
Citizens can contribute by sharing accurate information on social media, supporting fact-checking organizations, and engaging in discussions that promote critical thinking and verification of claims.
8. What are the ethical considerations for media outlets when covering political debates?
The ethical considerations include maintaining impartiality, ensuring accuracy, and providing context to help viewers understand the complexities of the issues being discussed.
9. How does this controversy reflect broader issues in media coverage of politics?
This controversy reflects broader issues such as the erosion of trust in media, the influence of partisan agendas, and the need for robust fact-checking mechanisms to ensure the integrity of political discourse.
10. What steps can be taken to prevent similar controversies in future debates?
Steps that can be taken include implementing robust fact-checking protocols, engaging independent fact-checking organizations, and maintaining transparency in media coverage to build trust with the audience.
