Reimagining Presidential Debate Fact-Checking: A Proposal for Accountability and Truth-Telling

Last week’s presidential debate was not just about Joe Biden’s performance, but also about the lack of truth-telling from CNN, who chose not to fact-check the claims made by Donald Trump in real-time. With at least 30 false claims counted from Trump compared to 9 from Biden, it is evident that the former president continues to spread misinformation unchecked. This raises concerns about the responsibility of media outlets in holding politicians accountable for their statements.

As the next presidential debate approaches, the question arises of how to address the issue of rampant lying from candidates like Trump. With the need for real-time fact-checking becoming increasingly apparent, ABC News must consider implementing a collaborative approach with fact-checking experts to ensure that false claims are addressed promptly. By creating a partnership with external fact-checking teams and incorporating fact-checking rounds into the debate format, the network can help combat the spread of misinformation and hold candidates accountable for their statements.

Donald Trump’s prolific lying poses a significant threat to democracy, as his constant dissemination of false information erodes trust in institutions and undermines the public’s ability to make informed decisions. The unchecked spread of lies during debates and public appearances not only distorts reality but also creates a dangerous environment where truth is subjective and facts are manipulated for political gain. It is imperative that media outlets take a stand against this behavior and prioritize truth-telling to safeguard the integrity of democratic processes. [Source: [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidmarkowitz/2020/05/05/trump-is-lying-more-than-ever-just-look-at-the-data/?sh=34e42681e176)]