Presidential Debate: Round Three Fact Check

The last of the Presidential Debates are now behind us. Although McCain needed a big win to gain some ground, national post-poll results show Obama with the win this round.

Both candidates took the economy issues head on – well, as head on as politicians do anyway. Also addressed were issues such as health care, alternative fuels, and negative campaign ads.

For those of us looking for a bit of clarification; what would a debate be without a little fact checking afterwards?

Fact Check Round Three….

Question: Will Obama provide a tax cut for 95% of Americans? 

Answer: Mixed. Although it really depends on a few scenarios, the Independent Tax Policy center believes the cuts will go to 81% of all households in 2009.

Question: McCain said we could eliminate (some) dependence on foreign oil by building 45 nuclear power plants within 7-10 years? 

Answer: Mixed. The amount of oil dependence and savings could be in question. Although currently there are 24 new reactors proposed, it is unlikely any could be online before 2015 at a cost of $9 billion each.

Question: Did Obama request a $3 million “overhead projector?” 

Answer: True. The “projector” is not a typical classroom projector. It was to have replaced the Adler Planetarium’s projector, which is almost 30 years old.

Question: Does Palin’s youngest child (Tig) have Autism?

Answer: False. McCain misspoke. Palin’s child (Tig) actually has Down Syndrome, not autism. However, Palin has stated she does have a nephew with autism.

Question: Is it true all McCain’s ads are negative? 

Answer: False. Although both candidates are spending about the same on negative advertising, neither has been (in the past) 100% negative against the other. According to the University of Wisconsin, (Sept 28 – Oct 4th) McCain ran 100% negative ads and Obama was running 34% negative ads. Overall 73% of McCain’s have been negative while Obama ran 61%. 

Still getting up to speed? Also on this site: The Slow Bleed: Fact Check Round One, Fact Check Round Two, Fact Check VP Debate

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