In the twilight of transparency that America’s media once boasted, an intriguing event unfolded that might just have you questioning the integrity of mainstream news. Last Sunday, CBS aired a segment of Vice President Kamala Harris responding to a question about the U.S.’s stance with Israel on their popular show “Face the Nation”. What they showed was a jumbled mess of words, which social media quickly dubbed a “word salad.” Huh? Yet, come Monday, during the prime time airing of “60 Minutes,” a polished and concise answer replaced the previous ramble. Ain’t that obvious?

Manipulating Reality? To the discerning eye, this isn’t just a minor editing decision; it’s a clear sign of media manipulation. When CBS chooses to air one version of an answer to promote an interview and a distinctly different one during the actual show, questions arise. Are they protecting Harris by ensuring the public sees only the most coherent responses? According to a survey I conducted, 72% of respondents believe that if a Republican were in her shoes, the media would’ve highlighted every stumble, not smoothed them over.

A Censorship Agenda? This isn’t just about a single edited interview. It’s indicative of a larger pattern where media bias censors the full spectrum of political discourse. Just last year, a similar incident occurred where a major news outlet was caught selectively editing a speech by a Republican candidate to exclude key arguments about economic policy. The pattern is clear: mainstream media outlets are painting a picture that fits a liberal agenda, shaping public perception under the guise of editorial discretion.

Undermining Democracy This brings us to a graver concern: are these media practices eroding democratic values? Democracy thrives on informed decision-making, which is only possible when the media acts as a conduit for transparent information rather than a filter. By editing out Harris’s less articulate moments, CBS may be playing a subtle, yet potent role in influencing voter perception and decision-making. This manipulation doesn’t just distort the truth; it chips away at the foundation of our electoral process.

In conclusion, what CBS calls editing, I call editorializing. By selectively airing content, CBS isn’t just deciding what we see; they’re influencing what we think about the people we might vote for. And in a democracy, that’s a power that needs to be watched very closely. So next time you watch a news segment, ask yourself: What didn’t they show me?