An independent experimental fact-checking site, exploring and advocating ways to make fact-checking better.
Last week, we published a fact check of a new Organizing For Action campaign designed to expose Republican “climate change deniers” in Congress. One of the features of OFA’s attack ad was its claim of a 97 percent consensus among scientists on climate change. We noticed a few problems with the support typically offered with that and similar claims, and…
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“The national science academies of every major country in the world have confirmed that climate change is real. NASA and 97 percent of scientists confirm that climate change is real. But 135 members of Congress are in denial.” —Organizing For Action (formerly Organizing For America), Aug. 13, 2013 Overview We find at least one significant error in every sentence….
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“Barack Obama said the deficit has fallen at the fastest rate in 60 years. … the president used an acceptable approach and his numbers are accurate. There are no statistical tricks in play.” —PolitiFact Overview Eyes wide open, PolitiFact falls for the oldest statistical tricks in the book. The Facts President Obama made the speech containing his reference to…
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“Today, our businesses have created 7.3 million new jobs over the last 41 months. We now sell more products made in America to the rest of the world than ever before. We produce more renewable energy than ever, and more natural gas than anyone. Health care costs are growing at the slowest rate in 50 years. And our deficits are…
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“Palin said she was banned from talking about one-time domestic terrorist Bill Ayers, but the record shows the complete and utter opposite.” —PolitiFact, July 26, 2013 Overview PolitiFact’s conclusion lacks a basis in logic. The Facts On July 26, 2013, PolitiFact published a fact check of a statement by John McCain’s 2008 vice-presidential running mate, Sarah Palin. Palin, appearing…
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