In a spirited debate, Republican candidates variously strained the facts on President Obama’s record on trade, tangled with each other over a misleading ad about allowing felons to vote, and erred on the history of the federal income tax.
Otherwise, the five remaining GOP presidential candidates pretty much stuck to the facts as they debated Jan. 16 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The event was sponsored by Fox News and the Wall Street Journal.
Mitt the Ripper?
OK, we get the joke. But there’s a problem with the satirical TV spot that the Stephen Colbert “super PAC” is running against Mitt Romney in South Carolina. Romney didn’t bump off the companies that the ad jokingly claims he did.
For those who haven’t been watching the Comedy Central star’s show lately, Colbert (a South Carolina native) says he’s decided to run for president — in South Carolina only. The “super PAC” he formed previously has now been turned over to fellow Comedy Central comedian Jon Stewart,
Facts Strained in ‘King of Bain’
Gingrich Makes a French Connection
Newt Gingrich attacks Mitt Romney once again, this time in a Web video that bashes Romney for raising taxes, giving money to Democrats (back in 1992) and — sacre bleu! — speaking French. But a few of the claims, besides the French one, could use some context.
The one-minute video says that Romney “donated to Democrats.” That’s true, but voters might want to know that he gave a total of $1,500 to three congressional candidates 20 years ago,
Jan. 13: King of Bain, Food Stamps and Best Friends
Gingrich’s ‘Baloney’-filled Attacks on Romney
Red White and Blue Fund
A pro-Rick Santorum “super PAC” started by a political adviser to former Iowa Rep. Jim Nussle.
Santa Rita Super PAC
A “super PAC” backing Rep. Ron Paul for president. It was created by a Paul donor and fundraiser.
Winning Our Future
Winning Our Future is a “super PAC” supporting the candidacy of Republican presidential candidate and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
FactCheck Mailbag, Week of Jan. 3-9
This week, readers sent us comments about Rep. Ron Paul and Iran, President Obama’s old campaign promises, and Rick Santorum’s lobbying past.
In the FactCheck Mailbag, we feature some of the email we receive. Readers can send comments to editor@factcheck.org. Letters may be edited for length.