An independent experimental fact-checking site, exploring and advocating ways to make fact-checking better.
“Myth: Obamacare only adds to the deficit, and it’s going to bankrupt this country.” —Democratic National Committee, Nov. 27, 2013, on its “Your Republican Uncle” website Overview Obamacare raises revenue, increases spending and decreases projected spending on net. The increased spending adds to the deficit, meaning that the revenue increase and the reductions in projected spending have a relatively…
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“Myth: President Obama has increased the deficit” —DNC’s “Your Republican Uncle” website, Nov. 27, 2013 Overview The deficit claim is true, in a radically oversimplified and misleading way. The Facts The DNC was able to explain the myth and then some in two sentences: Since President Obama took office, the deficit as a percentage of GDP has been…
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“From what we know now, [Jason] Furman’s statement stands up to scrutiny. He earns a rare Geppetto Checkmark.” —Glenn Kessler the Washington Post Fact Checker, Nov. 11, 2013 Overview Furman’s statement needs more scrutiny. The Facts The Washington Post Fact Checker, Glenn Kessler, posted a fact check of a White House economic adviser on November 11, 2013. The adviser,…
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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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“The Affordable Care Act is bringing the cost of health care in our country down in both the public and private sector. And that is what is largely responsible for the deficit coming down.” —House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, May 13, 2013 Overview A logic deficit undermines Pelosi’s claim about the budget deficit. The Facts House Democratic Leader Nancy…
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