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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Video: FactChecking the Second Debate


In this video, we review some of the claims made on June 27 during round two of the first Democratic debate.

  • Former Vice President Joe Biden falsely claimed that President Donald Trump “immediately discontinued” an aid program to Central America, and implied that has caused a surge of immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. The aid was reduced about 23% during Trump’s first two years, not discontinued.
  • Sen. Bernie Sanders claimed that Trump tried to “throw 32 million people off their health care that they have,” a figure that includes people who would choose to no longer purchase insurance if Congress repealed the Affordable Care Act without replacing it.
  • On the topic of gun control, Rep. Eric Swalwell said he was “the only person on this stage who has voted and passed background checks.” That’s false. A campaign spokesperson said he was referring to “universal background checks,” but even that claim is misleading.
  • Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper said, inaccurately, that the Green New Deal promises every American a government job. The nonbinding resolution guarantees a job, but not necessarily one in government.

For our complete analysis, read “FactChecking Round Two of the Democratic Debate.”