CBS News will be hosting a vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz, where the politicians will be responsible for fact-checking their opponents during the 90-minute event. Moderators Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan will facilitate opportunities for the candidates to point out misstatements made by each other, with CBS News Confirmed offering real-time fact-checking during the debate. This decision comes after criticism of network moderators for fact-checking statements made by candidates in previous debates.
While some argue that offstage fact-checking may be too little, too late, others see it as an opportunity for the candidates to keep each other honest and avoid controversy. Angie Drodnic Holan from the Poynter Institute believes that it takes journalistic courage to fact-check candidates, as they are likely to complain about it. During a recent ABC debate, moderators corrected statements made by Trump on various topics, indicating the importance of fact-checking in political debates.
In contrast to the presidential debates, the vice presidential candidates in the upcoming CBS debate will not have their microphones turned off while their opponent is speaking, which may lead to more genuine exchanges and potential interruptions. CBS retains the right to shut off a “hot mic” if necessary, and each candidate will have two minutes for a closing statement. The debate holds significant stakes for CBS News, which has been struggling in the evening news ratings, as it will be an opportunity for O’Donnell and Brennan to shine and showcase their journalistic skills.
There is uncertainty about whether there will be additional opportunities to see Trump and Harris together on the same stage before the Nov. 5 election. While Harris has accepted an invitation for another debate on Oct. 23, Trump has rejected it. CBS’ “60 Minutes” is attempting to secure interviews with both candidates to air on Oct. 7, but neither has confirmed their participation. As CBS makes its feed available for other networks to televise the debate, it is expected that many will take advantage of the opportunity to broadcast the event.
The debate between Vance and Walz will take place in a Manhattan studio that has hosted various notable programs in the past. CBS is aiming to shift the responsibility of fact-checking from moderators to the candidates themselves, potentially allowing for a more interactive and engaging dialogue between the vice presidential contenders. While there is some skepticism about this approach, CBS News seems determined to focus on facilitating discussions rather than engaging in real-time fact-checking. The outcome of this debate could have far-reaching implications for how future political debates are moderated and fact-checked.
