News Exercise #306


1. What is Daniel Dale’s job description?
2. Regarding Trump’s claim of ‘Whimpering and crying’, what was Dale’s initial reaction, and how was this proven to be untrue?
3. Why does it seem false that Trump will protect people with pre-existing conditions?
4. What was the meaning of Trump saying that the light had gone off?
5. How could this claim be definitely untrue?

Answers:
1. What is Daniel Dale’s job description?
He is CNN’s resident fact checker.
2. Regarding Trump’s claim of ‘Whimpering and crying’, what was Dale’s initial reaction, and how was this proven to be untrue?
He decided to give the President the benefit of the doubt; perhaps he had spoken to the special forces on the scene. However, this could not be confirmed by the Commander of Central Command nor by the secretary of Defense.
3. Why does it seem false that Trump will protect people with pre-existing conditions?
In 2017 Trump supported a bill that would have significantly weakened protection for those with pre-existing conditions; and also the Trump administration is currently filing a lawsuit that is trying to get Obamacare null and void.
4. What was the meaning of Trump saying that the light had gone off?
He meant that the camera had a light on it showing that it was broadcasting live, but that after Trump had criticised CNN, their camera light went off.
5. How could this claim be definitely untrue?
The camera doesn’t have a light on it.