Debate Reactions Are a Societal Question

Truth vs. lies, substance vs. style, and the values we teach

Yes, in the parts that I have seen, Biden came across as feeble. Yes, Trump lied incessantly. And yes, no one fact checked him.

That first point shocked many. The latter two should be even more shocking and repugnant. They just aren’t because we’re so used to them.

This is what I’ve been saying about debates. They are arson for truth.

A key question: What will the media focus on most?

Some of what you see in the media’s initial coverage of the debate is laziness. It’s much easier to platform hot takes than it is to investigate the many, many lies that a politician can spew, and try to actually correct them. That should be the media’s primary focus. It isn’t.

I’m not writing off legitimate concerns about Biden and the inevitable questions about whether he will be replaced on the ticket or come roaring back to the Biden that America saw in the State of the Union. At this point, all that is conjecture.

What’s most concrete is this: It’s impossible to solve any problem without first knowing the facts. No candidate should be allowed by the media to lie over and over while journalists just sit there.

These debates give Americans the false sense that something “journalistic” is going on. But they are the opposite of journalism. They’re platforms for lies.

If we value truth, we should show it in the most high profile events showcasing our politicians. It helps shape the thinking of entire generations.

I’ll have more to say about this in the next episode. In the meantime, send me your thoughts on the media’s responses to the debate fiasco!

JL