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/.
