Several candidates twisted the facts on health care, student loan debt, President Trump and more.
FactChecking the November Democratic Debate
Stories by Jessica McDonald
SciCheck writer
FactChecking Biden’s CNN Town Hall
In a televised town hall, former Vice President Joe Biden made several false or misleading statements while commenting on climate change, veterans and health care.
Trump Again Misunderstands California’s Wildfires
For the second year in a row, President Donald Trump inaccurately attributed California’s rash of wildfires to poor forest management. He also falsely said other states don’t have “close to the level of burn” as California.
What Does Science Say About the Need for Nuclear?
Sen. Bernie Sanders has said “scientists tell us” that it’s possible to go carbon neutral without relying on nuclear power. Fellow Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Cory Booker, who backs the use of some nuclear energy, has said the data is on his side. Who’s right? Both have a point, but neither is telling the full story.
Trump’s Error-filled Cabinet Meeting
For more than an hour, President Donald Trump presided over a cabinet meeting, reeling off numerous false or misleading claims.
The Facts on Mental Illness and Mass Shootings
Q: Do people with serious mental health disorders pose a greater risk of becoming mass shooters?
A: People with mental illnesses are somewhat more likely to be violent than those without a diagnosis. But a majority are never violent, and very little is known specifically about mass murder.
Instagram Post Falsely Links Flu Vaccine to Polio
A popular Instagram post falsely claims “over 1,100 people died from reactions to the [flu] shot” in 2018, and suggests that the immunization gave some children polio. The flu vaccine cannot give anyone polio and there is no evidence to support the 1,100 figure.
FactChecking the October Democratic Debate
The spin focused mainly on the economy and health care.
Trump Bends the Facts on Lightbulbs
President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized energy-efficient lightbulbs, saying that the bulbs people are “being forced to use” are more expensive, contain hazardous gases and give off light that’s “not as good” as incandescents. Experts, however, say that’s an outdated and inaccurate description of the current technology.
FactChecking the September Democratic Debate
A narrowed field of 10 Democratic candidates debated health care, immigration and gun control, but not all of their claims squared with the facts.