Be an Educated Vote and Check the Facts

This election year, political statements are more over-the-top than ever before, with candidates going so far as calling each other liars during presidential debates and media interviews.

In our current political debates, various false claims are being made by presidential candidates and others. And it’s not just a Democratic or Republican problem: candidates from both parties are saying things that are not true. Political commentators do this, too. If you don’t want to be fooled by exaggerated political advertisements or false statements by candidates, you can find out for yourself. Check out their ads and statements yourself at www.factcheck.org to learn the unbiased truth about candidates of both parties.

So what are some false claims being made?

One false claim by a Republican: During the ninth GOP debate, Marco Rubio made a false claim regarding illegal immigration. Rubio stated that illegal immigration “is worse today than it was three years ago, which is worse than it was five years ago.” The latest figures do not bear this out, however. The 2014 total of illegal immigrants in the U.S was estimated at 11.3 million. In 2011 (three years before 2014) the total was 11.5 million, so there actually appear to be fewer illegal immigrants now. (These are the latest available figures, so it is not possible to know yet exactly where we are today; but the numbers are remaining stable over time and do not appear to be going up.)

One false claim by a Democrat: During the sixth Democratic debate, Hillary Clinton made a false claim regarding wages. She stated, “Americans haven’t had a raise in 15 years.” According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, December 2015 showed a 9.2 percent increase in real wages over 15 years ago, however. (“Real wages” show whether earnings have really gone up after inflation.) Last year, real wages increased 2.3 percent.

FactCheck.org revealed the facts in both of these cases. Based on a review of statements examined on their site, it is clear that, no matter who you vote for, you will be voting for a person who has bent the facts. So, in this less-than-ideal world, who is the best candidate for you?

If you do not know what all the candidates stand for, educate yourself. Do your own research. This can help you choose candidates based on your beliefs, those people you believe would do a good job. Be open to new information and hear what others have to say, but form your own informed opinions based on your own beliefs.

America is at a turning point and you can help make a difference in our country by being informed.

References:

Annenberg Public Policy Center. (n.d.). Our Funding. FactCheck.org. Retrieved February 25, 2016, from http://www.factcheck.org/our-funding. (Fact Check is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center. The Web site monitors the factual accuracy of what politicians, political action groups, and talk show hosts are saying. Their main goal is to increase the public’s knowledge and understanding of politics. Inside Philanthropy praised Fact Check’s disclosure policy, which allows the public to see clearly whether they are being influenced by outside money.)

FactCheck.org. (2016, February 12). Fact Checking the Sixth Democratic Debate. Retrieved February 17, 2016, from http://www.factcheck.org/2016/02/factchecking-the-sixth-democratic-debate/.

FactCheck.org. (2016, February 14). Fact Checking the Ninth GOP Debate. Retrieved February 17, 2016, from http://www.factcheck.org/2016/02/factchecking-the-ninth-gop-debate/.