Get the facts on election 2012: Use these sites to get the real scoop on the candidates

Apr 3, 2012, 8:13 a.m.

Visiting fact-checking websites is important to voters who are seeking information and the "real scoop" on the candidates running for office. Seniors understand that it is important to look beyond the television screen to get the real facts of any election. These information-packed websites are even more important during a presidential election year, as the media and each campaign puts forth an astounding amount of alleged "fact" into the mix.

Two popular fact-checking websites of interest to seniors today include PolitiFact and FactCheck. These websites offer comparisons of statements made during political discourse with the facts, and they are dedicated to helping voters wade through a sometimes confusing array of publicized opinions and shortened media clips of information.

PolitiFact

This website, www.politifact.com, originates with the Tampa Bay Times and is dedicated to discovering truth in political statements via investigative reporting. It is a visually interesting website, with graphic meters that give an instant assessment of statements rated as True, Mostly True, Half True, Mostly False, False, and Pants on Fire. The latter is reserved for claims that are completely inaccurate and ridiculous.

FactCheck

A project that originated at the University of Pennsylvania, www.factcheck.org is affiliated with the Annenberg Public Policy Center at that university. It has a mission to reduce levels of deception and misinformation in U.S. politics. It monitors public statements by major political candidates and elected officials, TV ads, debates and other "fact" dispersing outlets such as news reports.

Of course, while at any fact-checking website, the user is cautioned to visit multiple resources and come to their own conclusions about the verity of any statement. Tracking comments back to their original source is always the best way to attempt to double-check broad statements that are publicized in the media, especially during a major election year.

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