Will Moderators Correct Donald Trump's False Statements in 2020 Presidential Debates?

The upcoming 2020 presidential debates are poised to be a critical battleground for accuracy and truth. One important question is whether the moderators will correct President Trump when he misstates verifiable facts, as was seen in previous debates. Will they follow the example set by Candy Crowley in the 2012 debates, or will they adopt a different approach?

History of Moderator Corrections

In past presidential debates, such as in 2012, CNBC's Candy Crowley played a significant role in correcting then-President Barack Obama when he made a factual error. This approach set a precedent for moderators to intervene and clarify misstatements. However, given the upcoming moderator lineup, one can only speculate on whether similar corrections will occur.

Current Political Climate and Expectations

The current political climate is highly charged, and many are anticipating how the debates will unfold. Given the potential for misinformation, it is crucial for moderators to maintain a balance between facilitating the debate and ensuring the accuracy of the information presented. If moderators are not actively involved in correcting false statements, it may result in debates that devolve into mere political warfare, with misstatements going unchallenged.

Don't Hold Your Breath for Constant Corrections

While some may argue that corrections are necessary to maintain the integrity of the debate, others believe that constant interventions could hinder the flow of the discussion. A recent viewpoint suggests that constant fact-checking might lead to a two-day debate instead of the traditional one or two-hour format. This raises the question of whether the debate should prioritize accuracy over the swift exchange of ideas and positions.

Instead of frequent interruptions, it might be more realistic to expect that moderators will interrupt, deflect, distract, and defend the Democratic candidate, Joe Biden, when he gets into trouble. Furthermore, they will likely seek to "disprove" the president whenever the truth undermines Joe Biden's statements, giving them an additional platform to highlight the shortcomings of the opposing side.

It is worth noting that Donald Trump is known for his penchant for false statements. His opponents often cite verifiable facts to counter his claims, and some have even accused his supporters of misquoting him. For instance, the claim that "Mexicans are rapists" and "Good people on both sides" is perpetuated despite evidence to the contrary. Understanding this background can offer some insight into the dynamics of such debates and the potential strategies that may be employed by the moderators.

Conclusion

Whether the moderators in the 2020 presidential debates will correct President Trump's false statements as Candy Crowley did in 2012 remains uncertain. However, it is expected that they will play a significant role in managing the tone and content of the debate. Given the political stakes involved, it is crucial for both sides to present accurate information and for the moderators to maintain a fair and balanced environment. While the debate may not always be a spectacle of truth and accuracy, the role of the moderator in ensuring that the discussion remains productive and informed is undeniably important.