CBS News is currently fact-checking statements made by speakers during the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which is scheduled to run until Thursday, August 22. The final night of the convention will feature Vice President Kamala Harris accepting her party’s nomination and delivering her acceptance speech. The fact checks are being conducted by CBS News’ Confirmed team, with live coverage of the DNC available on their platform.
One of the claims being fact-checked is Vice President Kamala Harris’ statement regarding former President Donald Trump’s tariff plan. Harris asserted that Trump’s plan would cost middle-class families nearly $4,000 per year, referring to potential impacts of tariffs on imported goods. Trump had proposed tariffs of at least 10% on most imports and 60% on Chinese imports. Estimates from various sources, including the Center for American Progress Action and the Tax Policy Center, suggest that these tariffs could result in increased costs for consumers, effectively acting as a tax on imported products. Experts interviewed by CBS News indicated that consumers would likely bear the brunt of these higher tariffs through increased prices on goods, unless offset by tax cuts.
The fact check also delved into Harris’ claim that Trump would provide billionaires with additional tax breaks, resulting in a $5 trillion increase in the national debt. Trump’s tax policies, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, aimed to lower corporate and individual tax rates. Estimates from the Joint Committee on Taxation and the Tax Policy Center indicated that most households would benefit from these tax cuts. Trump had also proposed extending individual tax rate cuts beyond 2025, which could add to the national debt. The Biden-Harris administration has proposed extending some of the Trump-era tax cuts for families earning under $400,000 annually.
Another claim being fact-checked is from Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, who stated that Democrats had capped insulin costs for millions of Americans at $35 a month. This claim was deemed true but required context. In 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, mandating that all Medicare Part D and Part B plans cap monthly costs for covered insulin products at $35. This measure aimed to address the rising costs of insulin for many Americans. The Trump administration had previously introduced a voluntary program to cap out-of-pocket costs for certain insulin products, but participation was limited. After the Inflation Reduction Act was signed, a significantly larger number of insulin users on Medicare Part D had their costs capped, benefiting millions of Americans.
Overall, the fact-checking process by CBS News aims to provide viewers with accurate information and context regarding claims made during the Democratic National Convention. By analyzing statements made by speakers and evaluating the evidence and data available, CBS News seeks to ensure that the public is well-informed about important policy issues and proposals. The detailed examination of claims regarding tariffs, tax breaks, and healthcare affordability offers viewers a comprehensive understanding of the topics discussed during the convention.
