Key Falsehoods or Claims:
In the article “Trump Calls for ‘60 Minutes’ and CBS to Be ‘Terminated’”, the main falsehood is Donald Trump’s claim that the interview with Lesley Stahl for “60 Minutes” was “fake and biased.” He also accused CBS of spreading “fake news.”

Source Bias:
The Daily Beast is known for its critical coverage of the Trump administration, so it can be considered to have a left-leaning bias.

Analysis of Falsehoods’ Impact:
Trump’s repeated claims of “fake news” and bias from major media outlets have contributed to a growing distrust of the mainstream media among his supporters. This erosion of trust can have serious implications for a functioning democracy, as an informed public is essential for holding elected officials accountable.

Threat to Democracy:
The President’s attacks on the media, including calling for the termination of a major news network, pose a threat to press freedom and the public’s access to accurate information. Such rhetoric undermines the role of the media as a watchdog and can lead to increased polarization and misinformation.

Hypothetical Scenarios:
If Trump’s base continues to believe his claims of biased media, it could lead to further polarization and a lack of trust in the media among a significant portion of the population. This could result in an even more divided society and make it difficult for citizens to engage in constructive political discourse.

Further Reading:
For further reading on the impact of misinformation and media influence, I recommend “The Misinformation Age: How False Beliefs Spread” by Cailin O’Connor and James Owen Weatherall, as well as “Network Propaganda: Manipulation, Disinformation, and Radicalization in American Politics” by Yochai Benkler, Robert Faris, and Hal Roberts. Additionally, “The Elements of Journalism: What Newspeople Should Know and the Public Should Expect” by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel provides insight into the role of the media in a democratic society.

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