Almost all of the misinformation coming from politicians on the Sunday shows this week had to do with the expiring Bush tax cuts, which Congress is expected to vote on this week. Coming in second was the military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy for gay servicemembers — we’ll post Tuesday on an exchange that took place on that topic on ABC’s "This Week."
Polling Problems
On CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Republican Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona gave a misleading description of public opinion on the Bush tax cuts.
Stories by Lori Robertson
Managing Editor, FactCheck.org
Federal Pay, Tax Cuts and Jane Fonda
In episode 39 of our podcast, we look at misleading statements about the pay of federal workers versus private sector workers. Plus, we debunk a talking point about the Bush tax cuts and tell you the story of an old (and now reincarnated) chain e-mail about Jane Fonda.
For more on the stories discussed in this episode, see:
Are Federal Workers Overpaid? Dec. 1
Tax Cuts and Americans: It’s Complicated Nov. 20
Blame Jane Falsehoods Nov.
Earmarks, Taxes and Premium Hikes
In episode 38 of our podcast, we highlight false statements from Democrats on the Sunday talk shows, and exaggerations from Republicans about the impact of the new health care law on premiums.
For more on the stories discussed in this episode, see:
Sunday Replay Nov. 15
The Truth About Health Insurance Premiums Nov. 19
The Truth About Health Insurance Premiums
Leading Republicans in Congress are blaming the new health care law for double-digit rate increases being sought by insurance companies in Washington state, New York and Connecticut. But insurance regulators, leading health care experts …
Obama, Pelosi, Pence and McConnell
In episode 37 of our podcast, we look at President Barack Obama’s hour-long interview on "60 Minutes," some misleading statements from congressional Republicans on the Sunday shows, and a whopper from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
For more on the stories discussed in this episode, see:
Obama on ’60 Minutes’ Nov. 9
Sunday Replay Nov. 8
Pelosi Pablum on ‘Fiscal Discipline’ Nov. 10
Offbeat Ads and the $200 Million Question
In episode 36 of our podcast, we give you a taste of some of the more bizarre and amusing ads from the midterm campaigns. Plus, we shoot down the absurd claim that President Obama’s trip to India will cost $200 million per day.
For more on the stories discussed in this episode, see:
The 2010 FactCheck Awards Nov. 2
Trip to Mumbai Nov. 3
Midterm Whoppers and Court Races
In episode 35 of our podcast, we give you a wrap-up of the biggest whoppers of the midterm campaigns. And we tell you about a few attack ads in state Supreme Court races.
For more on the stories discussed in this episode, see:
Whoppers of Campaign 2010 Oct. 26
Health Care Spin — Again Oct. 28
Court Watch: Mudfest 2010 Oct. 28
Health Care Spin — Again
As the election draws near, some conservative groups are making ever-wilder claims about the new health care law: An elderly man in a Crossroads GPS ad makes the death-panel-esque claim that the law “threatens our lives.” The 60 Plus Association …
FairTax, Washington Senate Race and Aqua Buddha
In episode 34 of our podcast, we talk about a popular — and misleading — line of attack from Democrats about the FairTax. Plus, we look at ads in the Washington Senate race and the controversial "Aqua Buddha" ad in the Kentucky contest.
For more on the stories discussed in this episode, see:
Sales Tax Spin Oct. 20
Toss-ups: Wayward Ads in Washington State Oct. 15
Conway ‘Lying’ About ‘Aqua Buddha’? Oct. 18
Chamber of Commerce and Missouri Senate Race
In episode 33 of our podcast, we talk about Democrats’ evidence-free allegation about the Chamber of Commerce and foreign money. Plus, we look at ads in the Missouri Senate race and explain why dead people got stimulus checks.
For more on the stories discussed in this episode, see:
Really? Oct. 11
Toss-ups: Missouri Mudslinging Oct. 12
Stimulating the Dead Oct. 14