Does America Stand for Truth?

What the bigger scandal of the first presidential debate should be, particularly around July 4th

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Note: This is the first newsletter accompanying episode 13. Tomorrow’s newsletter will focus on the new law I discuss. Be sure to subscribe to receive all the newsletters.

Two things happening in the United States are intimately connected in a way that the media won't tell you. First, the nation has had several days to process the disastrous first presidential debate. And second, it's July 4th time — a time for all Americans who believe in the nation's existence as a democracy to celebrate this so-called great experiment. A government of the people, which so many have fought and died for. That fight continues to this day. Making democracy work is a battle for every generation. 

Speaking of which, everyone committed to this idea should be horrified by the Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity. I’ve added my two cents on this issue here.

Now, a question for you.

Does America stand for truth? If we do, how can it be that the bigger fallout from the debate is more about how Biden came across than the fact that Trump lied incessantly about so many things?

OK, technically that’s two questions.

In this episode, I explain that this is not a partisan take. Trump probably lied just as often when he was a registered Democrat, and listeners know I call out lies on the left all the time. This is about what the bigger scandal of the first presidential debate should be. It’s about the role of the media, and why the debate hosts failed to fact check.

For links to post-debate fact checks, see my column today in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. (Less than a week after the debate in Atlanta, so there’s no better place to publish this. Thanks much to them.) You’ll see a bunch of links at the top of the piece, before the paywall kicks in.

In this episode, I explain that the Washington Post said CNN’s political director “left open the possibility of fact-checking ‘if there is some egregious mistruth put forward,’ but the moderators chose not to.” But there were tons of egregious mistruths! I cite two in particular.

Also, here are the surveys I mention on trust in government and “mass media.”

Now, a (non-scientific) poll of our own:

I also discuss this:

It’s telling that “truth, justice and the American way” is apparently no longer Superman’s motto.

What you can do

Anytime you see any news agency allow lies to go unchecked, send text like this to the top executives. (You can often find their email addresses by Googling; if you have trouble, get in touch with me and I’ll see if I can help.)

In your report (link to it), you allowed (name the speaker) to lie without pointing out that what (he/she/they) said was false. How is this the role of the news media? People should know that if they turn to the news, they will get the truth. Please listen immediately to the podcast They Stand Corrected, which dissects this problem. Then please let me know the exact steps you are taking to resolve it. Thank you.

A simpler step you can take: Send me links that you want me to fact check! Links to any news reports that have bugged you, etc. Paid subscribers can post in comments below or message me here. Everyone else, there’s a form at my website that you can fill out, which takes you through the process of confirming your email address.

Be here tomorrow, July 4, for information and a poll about a law banning lies from the government!

To all who support America as a democracy, happy upcoming Independence Day!

JL