In the first debate clash of the 2024 campaign, the two candidates unleashed a flurry of false and misleading statements.
Issues: abortion
Biden Twists Trump’s Comments on Tracking Pregnancies and Punishing Women Who Get Abortions
In an interview with Time, former President Donald Trump was asked if states should monitor women’s pregnancies and/or prosecute women who get an abortion in violation of state law. Trump said “they might,” but that’s for each state to decide. President Joe Biden, however, has twisted Trump’s words.
Familiar Claims in a Familiar Presidential Race
Trump’s False Claim About Roe
Texas Abortion Recipients Not Subject to Penalty, Contrary to Online Claims
Abortion is illegal in Texas, with narrow exceptions for the life and health of a pregnant patient. Those who provide abortions can face stiff penalties, but Texas law specifies that those who get an abortion are not to be penalized. Posts have been circulating online falsely claiming that those who get an abortion in Texas can face fines and prison time.
FactChecking Trump’s Iowa Town Hall
The Whoppers of 2023
Post Spreads Misleading Information About Texas Abortion Case
Kate Cox petitioned to be allowed to have an abortion in Texas to “protect her life, health, and future fertility,” after receiving news that her baby was unlikely to survive, according to her court filing. A popular Instagram post misrepresented Cox’s specific case and also made misleading claims about trisomy 18, the condition affecting her pregnancy.
FactChecking DeSantis-Newsom Debate
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and California Gov. Gavin Newsom — who head two of the largest states in the country — squared off in a debate on Nov. 30 on Fox News. The governors spun, mangled and exaggerated some of the facts on issues including COVID-19, migration, abortion, book bans and gasoline prices.
Unpacking Democratic Ad Attacking DeSantis, Florida Abortion Law
An ad from a political action committee tied to California Gov. Gavin Newsom claims that a law signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis would subject women who get an abortion after six weeks to felony charges. DeSantis’ campaign calls the claim “a lie.” We look at what the law says — and doesn’t say — that has caused some concern and confusion.