Product Overview: PolitiFact
Introduction
PolitiFact is a renowned American nonprofit project dedicated to fact-checking statements made by elected officials, candidates, their staffs, lobbyists, interest groups, and other individuals involved in U.S. politics. Launched in 2007 by the Tampa Bay Times (then the St. Petersburg Times), PolitiFact is now operated by the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida, with additional offices in Washington, D.C.
Key Features and Functionality
Fact-Checking Process
PolitiFact employs a rigorous fact-checking process that involves several key steps:
- Evidence Collection: Journalists contact the individuals or their representatives directly to request evidence supporting the claims being evaluated.
- Verification: Claims are thoroughly verified using a checklist of search strategies to ensure comprehensiveness and reduce errors.
- Rating System: Each statement is assigned a “Truth-O-Meter” rating, ranging from “True” for accurate statements to “Pants on Fire” for claims deemed not accurate and making ridiculous assertions.
Truth-O-Meter Ratings
The Truth-O-Meter ratings are a hallmark of PolitiFact’s fact-checking:
- True: Accurate statements.
- Mostly True: Statements that are accurate but may contain some minor inaccuracies.
- Half True: Statements that are partially accurate but also contain significant inaccuracies.
- Mostly False: Statements that are inaccurate but may contain some truth.
- False: Inaccurate statements.
- Pants on Fire: Statements that are not accurate and make ridiculous claims.
Campaign Promise Tracking
In addition to fact-checking individual statements, PolitiFact tracks the progress of elected officials on their campaign promises through specialized meters such as the “Obameter” for President Barack Obama, the “Trump-O-Meter” for President Donald Trump, and the “Biden Promise Tracker” for President Joe Biden. Local affiliates also monitor promises made by regional elected officials.
State and National Coverage
PolitiFact operates both at the national level and through state editions, with currently 14 active state editions. These state sites focus on claims made by governors, state legislators, and members of Congress.
Additional Tools and Initiatives
- PunditFact: A related site dedicated to fact-checking claims made by political pundits.
- Media Presence: PolitiFact has expanded its reach to platforms like TikTok, contributing to public reason through verification strategies.
Recognition and Impact
PolitiFact has garnered significant recognition for its work, including a Pulitzer Prize in 2009 for its reporting during the 2008 U.S. presidential election. It has inspired a global fact-checking movement and serves as a model for many other fact-checking organizations around the world.
Funding and Sustainability
Initially funded by the Tampa Bay Times and ad revenues, PolitiFact now relies on grants from nonpartisan organizations and donations from readers, ensuring its continued independence and sustainability.
In summary, PolitiFact is a robust and trusted platform for fact-checking in the U.S. political landscape, known for its meticulous verification processes, comprehensive rating system, and extensive coverage of national and state-level political claims.