The two presidential contenders had the stage to themselves just days before the Iowa caucuses.
FactChecking the Haley-DeSantis GOP Debate
Stories by Jessica McDonald
SciCheck Editor
Flawed Analysis of New Zealand Data Doesn’t Show COVID-19 Vaccines Killed Millions
Data from around the world support the general safety of the COVID-19 vaccines. Some people online, however, incorrectly claim that illegally obtained data from New Zealand show the vaccines have killed 13 million people worldwide. Experts say the analysis is bogus.
FactChecking the Fourth GOP Primary Debate
We referee several disputes between the candidates.
Respiratory Illnesses in Children in China Not So ‘Mysterious’
Five Republican senators have penned a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to ban travel to the U.S. from China because of a surge in “mystery” respiratory illnesses among children. But the letter selectively cites outdated information from the World Health Organization, and experts say the illnesses are likely due to known viruses and bacteria and aren’t unexpected.
FactChecking the Third GOP Primary Debate
Five candidates took the stage in Miami and twisted the facts on China, abortion and U.S. life expectancy.
RFK Jr. Incorrectly Denies Past Remarks on Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness
In a “PBS NewsHour” interview, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. repeatedly denied previously saying that “no vaccine” is safe and effective. But Kennedy said exactly that on the Lex Fridman podcast in July.
Posts Falsely Claim FDA ‘Required’ to Take mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Off Market Due to Adulteration
As with many medical products, the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may contain trace amounts of residual DNA from the manufacturing process. It is not considered adulteration, and the Food and Drug Administration is not “required” to pull the vaccines from the market, contrary to viral claims online.
Posts Falsely Push Bill Gates-Connected ‘Air’ Vaccine Conspiracy
Inhalable or spray versions of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are still in development and don’t have regulatory approval. Posts online are distorting recent research from Yale University to falsely claim that governments have approved such products to mass vaccinate people without their consent in a plot involving Bill Gates.
FactChecking the Second GOP Primary Debate
There were some new clashes, and plenty of claims we’ve heard before, as seven Republican candidates faced off in California.
Ramaswamy’s Climate Change Spin
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, a self-professed “unapologetic proponent of greater use of fossil fuels,” has repeatedly cited false or misleading statistics to downplay the risks of climate change.