Tonight’s debate is an enormous test for the media. Here’s why.

Trump will lie on the debate stage tonight. We need to be ready for what comes next. [Courier]( Friend, The first presidential debate of 2024 is only hours away. Tonight's debate will undoubtedly mark a crucial test for President Biden and Donald Trump. But there’s a real argument to be made that the most important test is how the news media, social media platforms, and fact-checkers will deal with Donald Trump and the lies he will try to spread from the debate stage tonight. [We’ll explain more in a moment, but if you’re ready to help us safeguard democracy by fact-checking Donald Trump’s debate performance tonight in the communities and online spaces where misinformation thrives, please contribute $25 or more today.]( We already know what Fox News, Republican politicians, and right-wing influencers like Tucker Carlson will do with Trump’s lies. In moments like these, they cowardly double down, amplifying Trump at all costs. Democracy and country be damned. If the 2016 and 2020 elections are any indication, legacy media and social media platforms like X and Facebook won’t do much better. Many are still stuck in an outdated “both sides” frame, afraid to call out Trump’s autocratic routine because it might hurt their clicks, ratings, and profits. So that’s the bad news. But, the good news is that, no matter how the media responds to Trump tonight, COURIER’s network of battleground state newsrooms will be there to fight back and correct the record in real-time. Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona—these states will decide this year’s presidential election. In those states, and more, our talented teams are on the ground right now providing trustworthy, and freely available election coverage to local communities where right-wing misinformation is thriving. [We’re trying to raise $5,000 before the debate tonight to hold Trump accountable for the BS he spews on stage. Can you chip in $25 now to help us out?]( Express Donate: If you've stored your info with ActBlue Express, we'll process your contribution instantly: [$5]( [$15]( [$25]( [$50]( Thanks, The COURIER team --------------------------------------------------------------- Email us: info@couriernewsroom.com [Become a member!]( This message was sent to: {EMAIL}. Email is a critical way we communicate with grassroots supporters like you. However, if you would like to change your subscription preferences, here are some options: [Receive Fewer Emails]( [Update Your Information]( [unsubscribe]( To give by check: Courier Newsroom Box 509 New York, NY 10032