CNN faces criticism for not fact-checking live debate
Welcome to Boston Post News, where we bring you the latest updates on the world of politics and beyond. Today, we delve into the aftermath of the debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, hosted by CNN.
The lack of real-time fact-checking during the debate has sparked outrage among viewers and pundits alike. Trump, known for spreading falsehoods, was allowed to make over 30 false statements without much intervention from the moderators, CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. Many questioned why they failed to interject and hold the candidates accountable for their misleading claims.
Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah expressed her concern, stating that the absence of fact-checking could erode democracy and norms. She emphasized the importance of holding people in power accountable through rigorous fact-checking and preparation.
CNN’s political director, David Chalian, defended the decision to refrain from live fact-checking during the debate. He argued that the moderators were there to facilitate a discussion between the candidates, not to act as fact-checkers. However, CNN did provide live fact-checking on its website and featured a segment with Daniel Dale after the debate to correct any false statements made by the candidates.
Despite Trump’s numerous false claims, Biden also made at least nine false or misleading statements during the debate. This raised concerns among Democrats about his age and fitness to serve as president, as he did not directly address Trump’s falsehoods. Some have even suggested that Biden should step aside and allow a younger candidate to take his place.
However, Biden himself seems unfazed by the criticism, stating that he believes he performed well during the debate. He remains steadfast in his campaign and determined to continue his bid for the presidency.
For CNN, the debate was a crucial moment as the network has been grappling with declining ratings in recent times. The departure of Chris Licht, amidst controversies surrounding his leadership, has left CNN searching for a new direction. Current CEO Mark Thompson has yet to outline a clear vision for the future of the network, despite hopes that the debate would boost viewership and reestablish CNN as a premier source for breaking news.
As the dust settles on the Biden-Trump debate, the implications for both candidates and the network itself remain to be seen. Stay tuned to Boston Post News for further updates and analysis on this developing story.
