In episode 43 of our podcast, we take a look at what some of the potential Republican presidential candidates have been saying.
For more on the claims discussed in this podcast, see:
Let the Distortions Begin Dec. 23
Stories by Lori Robertson
Director, FactCheck.org
Chain E-mails of 2010
In episode 42 of our podcast, we look back at the top chain e-mails of 2010. And yes, they were false.
For more on this episode, see:
The Viral Spiral of 2010 Dec. 21
FactCheck’s Post-Election Conference
In episode 41 of our podcast, we give you some highlights from our post-election conference on political advertising by outside groups.
For more on this episode, see:
Cash Attack Conference
Sunday Replay
Surprisingly – considering that the topic du jour was taxes, which means numbers – the flubs and fibs on the Dec. 12 talk shows were few, and relatively minor.
Not So Out-of-Context
On "Meet the Press," the chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, Austan Goolsbee, claimed host David Gregory had taken a quote by White House economic adviser Larry Summers "a little out of context." Not so. Goolsbee and Gregory were discussing the tax deal President Barack Obama had worked out with congressional Republicans.
Tax Cuts, Social Security and Health Care
In episode 40 of our podcast, we tell you about President Obama’s false assertion about Social Security, wrong claims about the Bush tax cuts from both parties and yet another Internet rumor about the health care law.
For more on the stories discussed in this episode, see:
Obama’s Social Security Stumble Dec. 8
Sunday Replay Dec. 6
Health Care Law Waivers Dec. 7
Sunday Replay
Almost all of the misinformation coming from politicians on the Sunday shows this week had to do with the expiring Bush tax cuts, which Congress is expected to vote on this week. Coming in second was the military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy for gay servicemembers — we’ll post Tuesday on an exchange that took place on that topic on ABC’s "This Week."
Polling Problems
On CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Republican Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona gave a misleading description of public opinion on the Bush tax cuts.
Federal Pay, Tax Cuts and Jane Fonda
In episode 39 of our podcast, we look at misleading statements about the pay of federal workers versus private sector workers. Plus, we debunk a talking point about the Bush tax cuts and tell you the story of an old (and now reincarnated) chain e-mail about Jane Fonda.
For more on the stories discussed in this episode, see:
Are Federal Workers Overpaid? Dec. 1
Tax Cuts and Americans: It’s Complicated Nov. 20
Blame Jane Falsehoods Nov.
Earmarks, Taxes and Premium Hikes
In episode 38 of our podcast, we highlight false statements from Democrats on the Sunday talk shows, and exaggerations from Republicans about the impact of the new health care law on premiums.
For more on the stories discussed in this episode, see:
Sunday Replay Nov. 15
The Truth About Health Insurance Premiums Nov. 19
The Truth About Health Insurance Premiums
Leading Republicans in Congress are blaming the new health care law for double-digit rate increases being sought by insurance companies in Washington state, New York and Connecticut. But insurance regulators, leading health care experts …
Obama, Pelosi, Pence and McConnell
In episode 37 of our podcast, we look at President Barack Obama’s hour-long interview on "60 Minutes," some misleading statements from congressional Republicans on the Sunday shows, and a whopper from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
For more on the stories discussed in this episode, see:
Obama on ’60 Minutes’ Nov. 9
Sunday Replay Nov. 8
Pelosi Pablum on ‘Fiscal Discipline’ Nov. 10