Does the US need new laws to protect elections?
5/29/202632 min
US presidents have always told lies. Richard Nixon famously lied to Congress over his knowledge of the Watergate scandal while Bill Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives after declaring that he did not have “sexual relations” with Monica Lewinsky.
How much does the American public care about politicians lying and could a new law stop it from happening?
In today’s Americast, Justin and Sarah speak to a former federal prosecutor who wants to hold politicians accountable if their lies damage democracy. Andrew Weissman played a major role in former FBI director Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, and now believes the US should bring in laws to protect elections from lies.
HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter
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This episode was made by George Dabby with Tom Gillett, Grace Reeve and Oscar Pearson. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. The series producer is George Dabby. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsJustin Webb· Host0:00
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Asma Khalid0:03
[upbeat music] Is there a backlash to AI brewing? I'm Asma Khalid. I host the Global Story podcast from the BBC. We've all been told that artificial intelligence was our great societal hope, but this week the pope issued his first big manifesto, and in it, he called to disarm AI. This comes after American college students booed commencement speakers who touted artificial intelligence. What do these signs of resistance mean? Listen to The Global Story on bbc.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
Justin Webb· Host0:34
American presidents have always told lies. Think of Richard Nixon and Watergate. Think of Bill Clinton and sex. The current president says plenty of things, well, without evidence, and plenty fear that it is becoming acceptable for politicians on both sides to spread falsehoods. So does it matter? How much do Americans care, and is there a solution that might hold lawmakers accountable for the lies that they tell in office? Welcome to Americast.
Tulsi Gabbard· Soundbite1:05
[upbeat music] Americast. Americast from BBC News.
Donald Trump· Soundbite1:10
You hear that sound? Oh, I think when I hear that sound, it reminds me of money. We didn't start this war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it.
Andrew Weissmann· Guest1:20
This is a big cover-up, and this administration is engaged in it.
Tulsi Gabbard· Soundbite1:23
This guy has Trump derangement syndrome.
Asma Khalid1:25
I have four words for you. Turn the volume