CBS Makes Major Changes To Focus Of Dem Debate In Light Of Paris Attacks

Workers stand at the podiums on stage during final preparations for Saturday night's Democratic presidential debate between Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt, Hillary Rodham Clinton and former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, ... Workers stand at the podiums on stage during final preparations for Saturday night's Democratic presidential debate between Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt, Hillary Rodham Clinton and former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) MORE LESS
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After the deadliest attack on France since World War II stunned the country and the world late last night, CBS News executives made major changes to the emphasis of tonight’s second Democratic debate.

CBS News executive editor Steve Capus told The New York Times the team immediately started making moves to shift the debate’s focus when news of the attacks broke during a Friday night rehearsal. The event will now focus more on issues of national security, terrorism, and foreign relations, with questions that will address the Paris attacks.

Capus told the Times the network had planned questions for a different debate, but said “there is no question that the emphasis changed dramatically” after the attacks.

Capus also said it was important for the event to go on, saying “American leadership is put to the test” during international crises.

“The entire world is looking to the White House. These people are vying to take over this office,” he said.

The debate is scheduled to begin in Des Moines, Iowa at 9 p.m. ET. CBS has also planned a one-hour special report on Paris to air directly before the debate.

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