As a primer for the 2024 election, here’s our guide to the top 10 falsehoods and distortions — so far — in terms of Trump’s and Biden’s propensity to repeat them.
Familiar Claims in a Familiar Presidential Race
Issues: Social Security
Trump’s Comments About ‘Cutting’ Entitlements in Context
President Joe Biden said he has caught former President Donald Trump admitting that he wants to cut Social Security and Medicare. The Trump campaign said, in context, Trump was talking about cutting waste and fraud in those programs – not benefits.
Trump, Haley Trade False and Misleading Attacks
The last two major candidates for the Republican presidential nomination have misfired in launching attacks on each other recently.
FactChecking the Haley-DeSantis GOP Debate
The two presidential contenders had the stage to themselves just days before the Iowa caucuses.
Biden Spins the Facts in Campaign Speech
At a campaign reception in Denver, President Joe Biden distorted some of the facts and the position of his predecessor.
Dueling Ads: Trump and DeSantis on Social Security and Medicare
Former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis both say they do not support cuts to Social Security. But dueling ads from super PACs supporting their presidential bids say past statements or actions suggest they once did, and therefore seniors should not trust them.
Liberal Group’s Meme Mentions Nonexistent GOP Vote to Raise Social Security’s Retirement Age
A Republican Study Committee task force released a budget last year proposing to raise the full retirement age to 70 for some future Social Security beneficiaries. There was no vote on the plan, but a liberal group’s viral meme incorrectly claimed “156 congressional Republicans … just voted to RAISE the retirement age to 70.”
The Whoppers of 2022
The midterm elections are finally over, but it won’t be long before the 2024 campaign cycle — which will really start in 2023 — gets going. Before that happens, we’ve put together this list of the year’s biggest whoppers that politicians and others made over the past 12 months.
Major Themes of the Midterms
Voters are about to get a respite from the political attack-ad onslaught: Election Day is tomorrow. That means no more messages from Democrats attacking Republicans over abortion rights or the future of Medicare; no more Republicans blaming Democrats for inflation or crime. At least for a little while.
Social Security Increase Due to Inflation, Not Presidential Action
A deleted tweet from the White House and remarks by President Joe Biden could leave the false impression that Biden’s policies have something to do with an increase in Social Security payments. But the increase is set by law and is linked to inflation.