Facts? We don't need no stinking facts. Apparently.
Tuesday night brings our country the only time that we will likely see J.D. Vance and Tim Walz on the debate stage together. Perhaps, it will be the only time these two men are together in any place below the November 5th election.
The vice presidential debate never gets the same attention as a presidential debate. But don’t the American people deserve the best that it can be? One of these two people could be president one day.
Just the Facts, Ma’am — I was surprised to read that CBS’ moderators will not be fact-checking the candidates. Fact-checking will be left to the candidates.
Millions of people will be watching. Margaret Brennan and Norah O’Donnell, the debate moderators, should be able to call out obvious lies, misstatements, or confusing claims. Shouldn’t they?
“They’re eating the cats!”
The Hot Seat — I have moderated debates (perhaps, you have seen the visual proof in the footage of a Congressional debate two years ago that has once again made its way into a campaign commercial.)
Moderating a debate isn’t always as easy as it looks from the couch. The moderators are watching the clock, listening to their producer through their earpiece, keeping track of the rundown of questions, and paying attention to what the candidates say.
It can be a lot.
Providing instant fact-checking can be especially difficult in real-time. But shouldn’t Margaret Brennan and Norah O’Donnell try to do it as best they can?
It will be up to the candidates to make sure that the other one is telling the truth. That should be interesting. So, between pre-planned zingers and talking points, a candidate is going to correct the other one?
I am confused by the decision.
“Inside Iowa Politics” — We don’t do enough reporting in the media on how nursing homes are closing in smaller communities. I focused our most recent TV show on what is happening and what can be done about it. I expect the feedback that we get from the show will lead to more reporting on what is ahead.
Tough Nut to Crack — The nut industry has been tough for growers because of several factors. But there is new optimism, at least for part of the industry. We talked to an industry insider about what made economic conditions so challenging and why they could be improving in the latest “American Farmland Owner” podcast.
“Reset” not “Rebuild” — My beloved St. Louis Cardinals are doing something my 14-year-old son has never experienced: They are not going to try to convince us that they are trying to win the World Series next year. Instead, they will cut spending and focus on letting the young players play and invest more in the minor leagues.
Cards leadership euphemistically called yesterday’s announcement a “reset” of priorities rather than a “rebuild.” Call if whatever they want. But the team won’t likely be very good next season as it likely trades away experienced (more expensive) players to make way for the youngsters.
It might be the right business decision. But as a spoiled Cards fan who has grown accustomed to having a competitive team nearly every year…ugh.
Thanks for the Chats — One of the best parts of my career is interacting with groups. I love the interaction, feedback and conversations to let me know what is on people’s minds.
Thanks to the Des Moines Lions Club, Master Builders of Iowa and Dubuque Chamber of Commerce for hosting me over the past week.
Message me if you want me to speak to your group either in person or via Zoom (My email for speaking events: caucuschaos@gmail.com).
Also, thanks to the new paid subscribers who allow us to invest in this column. My family appreciates your support!
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