CBS to offer QR code for fact-checking during veep debate

CBS News will display an on-screen QR code leading to realtime fact-checking from its team of journalists during the debate between vice presidential candidates Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. J.D. Vance.

Preview: CBS News recycles parts of old NFL set for debate

The debate, which starts at 9 p.m. eastern, will be moderated by “CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan, moderator of “Face the Nation,” and will mark the first time in history two women have moderated a debate a presidential or vice presidential debate on TV without any other moderators.

CBS will carry the QR code on its air only; simulcasts on other networks will not feature the code. It’s not clear if CBS is allowing other networks to add a similar QR code to link to their own fact-checking efforts.

After the announcement, which was interpreted by some as meaning that the moderators would not fact-check in real time, CBS faced some criticism for its decision.

During the actual debate, however, there were a few moments when what most people would consider fact checks were performed by the moderators.

Earlier, CBS outlined the rules for the debate:

• There will be 90 minutes of debate time, with two breaks of four minutes each.
• There will be no audience.
• The two moderators, Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan, will be seated and will be the only ones asking questions of the candidates.
• Candidates will stand behind podiums (sic) for the duration of the debate, Governor Walz on stage left/screen right and Senator Vance on stage right/screen left.
• Candidates will have two minutes for closing statements. A virtual coin toss was held on Sept. 26. Sen. Vance won and elected to go second with his closing statement.
• Candidates will be introduced by the moderators in order of incumbent party.
• No props or pre-written notes will be allowed on stage.
• No topics or questions will be shared in advance with campaigns or candidates.
• Campaign staff may not interact with candidates during breaks.
• Candidates will be given a pen, a pad of paper and a bottle of water.
• Event space will be available for staff and candidate walk-throughs to be scheduled in advance.
• Lights will indicate time left, with numeric countdown: green until 15 seconds; solid yellow until five seconds; flashing red at five seconds; solid red at zero.
• CBS News reserves the right to turn off candidate microphones.
• Moderators will seek to enforce timing agreements.
• For each question, the candidate asked the question will get two minutes to answer and the other candidate will get two minutes to respond. Then, each candidate gets one minute for further rebuttals. At the discretion of the moderators, candidates may get an additional minute each to continue a discussion.

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