The American Press Institute published two new studies that it said are “a cause for optimism that fact checking in journalism can lead to a better-informed public.”
‘Optimism’ That Fact-Checking Can Work
Stories by Brooks Jackson
Director Emeritus, FactCheck.org
Fact-Checking Is More Popular than Politicians
New research shows fact-checking is a measurably effective tool for correcting political misinformation and increases the audiences’ political knowledge. It is also growing at a dramatic rate.
Immigration Ad Distorts ‘Tax Implications’
A new TV spot claims Americans will be “stuck with the tax bill” for President Obama’s order giving legal status to millions of immigrants. But those immigrants will produce more in taxes than they will consume, according to the very authority cited by the ad’s sponsor.
Obama’s Numbers (April 2015 Update)
Jobs, earnings, health insurance, oil production, exports and more. Our latest installment of the Obama scorecard.
FactChecking Ted Cruz, Part II
In announcing his presidential candidacy, Sen. Ted Cruz painted a bleak picture of “economic stagnation” and “record numbers” of small-business failures. He’s off base on both counts.
Cruz Inflates IRS ‘Agents’
Sen. Ted Cruz has repeatedly gotten basic facts about the Internal Revenue Service wrong when delivering one of his favorite applause lines, calling for its abolition.
More Keystone Spin
With a showdown vote approaching on the Keystone XL pipeline, both sides continue to spin the facts about exports and safety.
Huckabee’s False Witnessing
Mike Huckabee made a number of twisted claims about President Obama’s recent reference to the Crusades and the Inquisition at the National Prayer Breakfast.
Obama’s Loophole Logic
The White House is claiming that the top 1 percent of all earners would pay 99 percent of the capital gains tax increase proposed by the president. But that claim rests on some debatable logic.
Obama’s Numbers (January 2015 Update)
More jobs, higher paychecks, falling fuel prices: Our latest scorecard.