Facebook Twitter Tumblr Close Skip to main content
A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Democratic Convention Night 3

Democratic Convention Night 3

There was news: Sen. Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic vice presidential nomination. But there was little to fact-check.

Harris Hasn’t Called Biden a ‘Racist’ or a ‘Rapist’

Harris Hasn’t Called Biden a ‘Racist’ or a ‘Rapist’

Contrary to claims in viral internet posts, Sen. Kamala Harris did not call former Vice President Joe Biden a “racist” or a “rapist.” Rather, she has been critical of Biden’s position on busing to integrate schools and comments he made about segregationist senators, and she has said that she believed women who accused Biden of making them feel uncomfortable.

FactChecking Sen. Kamala Harris

FactChecking Sen. Kamala Harris

As a former 2020 presidential candidate, Sen. Kamala Harris — now presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s running mate — was on our fact-checking radar this election cycle. Here’s a rundown of the claims we addressed.

Kamala Harris Is Eligible to Serve as President

Kamala Harris Is Eligible to Serve as President

Kamala Harris, former Vice President Joe Biden’s running mate, is eligible to serve as U.S. president, contrary to the false claims of viral posts on Facebook. Her mother is from India and her father from Jamaica — but Harris was born in Oakland, California.

The Whoppers of 2019

The Whoppers of 2019

Our compilation of the most egregious falsehoods of the year.

O’Rourke Not Alone in Support of Mandatory Buyback

O’Rourke Not Alone in Support of Mandatory Buyback

Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke has faced backlash from Republicans, and some Democrats, for his debate-night advocacy of a mandatory buyback program for so-called assault weapons. But Sen. Chuck Schumer went too far when he said, “I don’t know of any other Democrat who agrees with Beto O’Rourke.”

Amazon Doesn’t Produce 20% of Earth’s Oxygen

Amazon Doesn’t Produce 20% of Earth’s Oxygen

Q: Does the Amazon produce 20% of the world’s oxygen?

A: No. Scientists estimate the percentage is closer to 6 to 9%, and the Amazon ultimately consumes nearly all of that oxygen itself. 

Social Media Posts Treat Fictional Harris ‘Quote’ as Fact

Social Media Posts Treat Fictional Harris ‘Quote’ as Fact

Facebook users expressed outrage over a statement that is falsely attributed to Sen. Kamala Harris. The quote — about seeking “vengeance” against supporters of President Donald Trump — originated on a website that calls its work satire.

Video: Harris, Warren on Michael Brown Shooting

Video: Harris, Warren on Michael Brown Shooting

In this fact-checking video, CNN’s Jake Tapper explains the Obama-era Department of Justice’s finding that Michael Brown, an unarmed 18-year-old black man, was shot and killed by a white police officer in “self-defense,” not “murdered,” as Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris claimed.