[ [link removed] ]Sign the petition to demand CNN uphold debate standards in upcoming
presidential debates!

Dear MoveOn member,

We're less than a week away from when President Joe Biden and disgraced
former president Donald Trump will debate each other live on CNN in
Atlanta. And we remember the debates from the last presidential election
cycle. Candidates talking over one another, lying, and ignoring the rules.
It wasn't just embarrassing to our democracy, but worse, networks gave a
platform for Trump to spread harmful falsehoods. With more than 70 million
viewers, we can’t allow the same pattern of chaos and misinformation to
consume the presidential debates and influence voters this year. As
voters, we deserve better—there is too much at stake in this election to
let lies go unchecked.

[ [link removed] ]We need presidential debates that help everyday Americans make informed
decisions about the future of our country. Sign our petition NOW to demand
live fact-checking from all news outlets and fair debate moderation from
CNN!

The previous presidential debate cycle was a spectacle that left many
people frustrated and disheartened. Trump constantly interrupted while
Biden tried to answer questions. Chris Wallace, the moderator, struggled
to maintain order, turning the debate into a chaotic mess rather than an
informative discussion.^1 This cannot be the norm.

Just in the three presidential debates between September 29 and October
22, 2020, fact-checkers identified at least 50 false assertions by
Trump.^2 Without real-time fact-checking, misinformation goes
unchallenged, misleading the public. CNN and other networks broadcasting
the debates, including ABC News and PBS News, must implement live
fact-checking to ensure viewers receive accurate information instantly.

[ [link removed] ]Will you sign the petition to restore integrity in the 2024
presidential debates? It's critical that voters and viewers demand CNN
uphold debate standards.

Demand CNN and other networks NOT give Trump free air time to spew
misinformation to millions of voters. Demand they implement real-time
fact-checking and enforce strict speaker time limits! 

[4]Sign the petition

Not only is fact-checking an issue, but so are the consistent
reality-show-style interruptions and interjections of speakers. CNN has
said that they will cut off mics when candidates go over time, but in the
past this rule has not been enforced. Candidates need equal opportunities
to speak without being interrupted. We need to let CNN know that the
public is watching and expecting them to follow through with debate
standards, using every tool at their disposal to hold candidates
accountable. 

The role of the media is crucial in upholding democratic processes. CNN
and other news outlets have the opportunity to set a standard for
responsible journalism by implementing measures to ensure the debate
coverage is conducted with integrity and fairness. Live fact-checking and
strict enforcement of debate rules are essential steps toward this goal.

[ [link removed] ]Add your name to demand CNN ensure fairness and honesty in presidential
debates.

In the last election cycle's first debate, former President Trump
constantly interrupted both President Biden and Chris Wallace. The
interruptions were so frequent that Wallace at one point joked about
switching seats with Trump, because Trump was effectively controlling the
debate.^3 Biden, trying to address the American people directly, often had
to contend with Trump's continuous interruptions. This debacle did little
to inform the public and served to confuse and frustrate viewers.

This year's presidential debate is the earliest ever. As we head into a
crucial election cycle, we need to do our due diligence to demand the
highest standards of honesty and fairness. CNN and other networks must
implement live fact-checking to verify statements in real time and address
false claims immediately. And moderators must strictly enforce speaking
time limits, cutting off microphones if necessary to maintain order.

[ [link removed] ]Click here to sign the petition, and then share with your friends and
family to amplify our message!

Thanks for all you do.

–Valeria, Isbah, Jensine, Aliya, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Analysis: US presidential debate quickly devolves into disgrace
without strong moderation," CNN Business, September 29, 2020
[ [link removed] ][link removed]

2. "Chris Wallace Struggled to Rein In an Unruly Trump at First Debate,"
The New York Times, October 2, 2020
[link removed]

3. "Research note: Lies and presidential debates: How political
misinformation spread across media streams during the 2020 election,"
Misinformation Review, December 17, 2021
[ [link removed] ][link removed]

You're receiving this petition because we thought it might interest you.
It was created on MoveOn.org, where anyone can start their own online
petitions. You can [ [link removed] ]start your own petition here.



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