Bari Weiss is set to shake things up at CBS News with an exciting new initiative: a series of primetime town halls and engaging debates under the banner "Things That Matter." As the editor-in-chief of CBS News, Weiss aims to create a platform that fosters meaningful dialogue on critical issues, collaborating with her venture, The Free Press.
CBS has announced that notable figures such as Vice President JD Vance, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have confirmed their participation in these town halls. The discussions will tackle provocative questions, including "Does America Need God?" "Has Feminism Failed Women?" and "Should Gen Z Believe in the American Dream?" These topics promise to stir lively debates and could lead to varying opinions among viewers.
To enrich these discussions, CBS has enlisted a diverse lineup of commentators. For instance, Isabel Brown and Harry Sisson will delve into the complexities surrounding the concept of the American Dream, while renowned thinkers like Steven Pinker and Ross Douthat will explore the relevance of God in today's society. Additionally, Liz Plank and Allie Beth Stuckey are set to engage in a debate about feminism, a topic that continues to evoke strong feelings and differing perspectives.
In Weiss's own words, "We believe that the vast majority of Americans crave honest conversation and civil, passionate debate. This series is for them. In a moment in which people believe that truth is whatever they are served on their social media feed, we can think of nothing more important than insisting that the only way to get to the truth is by speaking to one another." This statement underscores the intent to create a safe space for discourse amid today’s often fragmented communication landscape.
The inaugural sessions of the "Things That Matter" series are slated to begin in 2026, although specific dates have yet to be announced. Excitingly, Bank of America has stepped in as a sponsor for the events, lending further credibility to this ambitious project. During these town halls, Moore and Vance will discuss their visions for the future of their respective political parties, alongside their perspectives on the current state of America.
These town halls follow a recent event hosted by Weiss featuring Erika Kirk, which attracted an impressive average viewership of 1.9 million on CBS. It remains uncertain whether Weiss will personally host the new series as she did with the Kirk event, or if other talents will join her in leading these important conversations.
This series not only aims to engage audiences but also invites them to consider their own views on these significant societal questions. But here's where it gets controversial: how will these discussions balance differing beliefs, and can true understanding be achieved in a polarized environment? We encourage you to share your thoughts—do you believe these types of dialogues can bridge divides, or are they likely to exacerbate existing tensions? Your opinions matter!
