Topic: FactCheck.org

Whose idea was the sequester? And does it matter? (+video)

The Republicans point to Bob Woodward's book as evidence it's the 'Obamaquester.' Democrats counter with a Boehner slideshow that just resurfaced. The public is left scratching its head. 

N.Y. newspaper's map of local gun owners: A cheat sheet for burglars? (+video)

Gun owners whose names and addresses were published on a 'gun map' in a New York newspaper are angry. But a county official suggests that the map shows burglars which homes to avoid.

Saving Money The election is over. What happens to all that campaign cash?

An estimated 5.8 billion was spent on the 2012 election. Where can candidates spend their leftover money? What is off limits?

Laughing Biden vs. polite Ryan: Who won? (+video)

Joe Biden came out swinging and smirking in Thursday's debate against Paul Ryan, who stood his ground. Insta-polls called it a draw. But the key outcome may be a more aggressive stance by President Obama, viewed as listless in his first debate with Mitt Romney.

Campaign feeds off misleading claims as context takes a holiday

Recent episodes in which candidates have pounced on their opponent's out of context remarks have showed that in today's campaign, sound bytes are king.

The Monitor's View: Will the 2012 campaign be a record for lies – and charges of lying?

The Romney and Obama campaigns have lately traded charges of lying – and lying about lying. Big money will add to the high number of false campaign ads. Is there a rub-off on Americans who might see lying as justified?

The elusive truth about Mitt Romney's time at Bain Capital

Mitt Romney's time running Bain Capital has become the focus of charge and counter-charge, raising questions about campaign dishonesty and the candidates' own character as well as calls for apologies.

Decoder Wire Did Mitt Romney run Bain after 1999? Will voters care if he did? (+video)

The Obama team may believe that keeping the focus on Mitt Romney's tenure at Bain serves to remind voters of his venture capital past. But evidence is scant that voters are swayed by this line of attack. 

Who's the real 'outsourcer in chief'? Why Obama, Romney both shoulder blame.

The trend of outsourcing US jobs predates either President Obama or Mitt Romney, but both have contributed to it in different ways, according to one economist. 

Decoder Wire Mitt Romney's 'boomerang' attack strategy: Is it effective?

Repeatedly, we’ve seen the Obama campaign launch an attack, only to find the exact same accusation hurled back at them by Mitt Romney's folks. 'Outsourcer in chief' is a recent example.

Battle for women's votes: 6 flash points

The uproar over the Obama campaign’s 'Life of Julia' Web infographic – which made #Julia big on Twitter – highlights just how fiercely both parties are fighting for the women’s vote. The economy is by far the most important issue in November for both sexes. But there are other areas with special significance to women. Here are the main flash points.

Utah Republican convention: How Orrin Hatch (almost) beat back a tea party revolt

As Republicans in Utah have turned more moderate since 2010, veteran US Sen. Orrin Hatch has turned more conservative. Taken together, this nearly helped Hatch survive a tea party challenge at Saturday's Republican nominating convention. Instead, he faces a primary election in June.

Rick Santorum: top 5 unorthodox views

Rick Santorum must try to prevent Mitt Romney from securing a majority of delegates before the Republican convention in August, and then have a contested convention. In many cases, his positions mirror Mr. Romney’s, but here are five of Mr. Santorum’s most unorthodox views.   

Is bias-free news coverage coming back into vogue?

After years in which news outlets became associated with one political slant or another, there are some signs that a course correction is under way in the media. So far, the shift is a subtle one.

Vox News 'King of Bain': 6 questions answered about anti-Mitt Romney attack ads

A pro-Newt Gingrich super PAC will begin its controversial 'King of Bain' ad campaign attacking Mitt Romney Thursday. Here's a Q&A to explain what the controversy is about.

The Top 10 political quotes of 2010

The “who said what” buzz came in full force this election year through campaign ads, public appearances, and even tweets. But who are the politicians that shocked and zinged the most? Here’s a roundup of the year’s most memorable political quotes.

Santa Claus? Yes and no, Virginia.

More than a century ago Francis Pharcellus Church, an editor at the old New York Sun, answered young Virginia O'Hanlon's question about Santa Claus. Wonder what he'd say today?

Outside groups dominate 2010 campaign spending

Colorado’s Seventh Congressional District – a bellwether district in a swing state – leads the nation in spending on political ads by outside groups not required to disclose their donors.

Activist groups, distrustful of candidates, push for pre-election pledges

Many grass-roots activists want candidates to sign pledges to, say, undo health-care reform. Will such pledges tie lawmakers' hands later, or improve accountability?

Rise of the YouTube ambush in Election 2010: a case study

Election 2010 campaigns seed town-hall meetings with tough questioners and cameras, in the hope of tarring a rival via a 'YouTube moment.' Here's a look at one recent episode in an Ohio House race.

How Bill Clinton factors in California governor race

Former President Bill Clinton found himself tossed between Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman this week. Clinton endorsed Brown, but how the candidates respond could have more of an impact.

Jerry Brown: Did he raise taxes as California governor, or not?

That question is at the heart of this week's dustup involving a 1992 CNN report, former rival Bill Clinton, and Jerry's Brown's current rival in the race for California governor, Meg Whitman. Hey, the answer is complicated, too.

Healthcare reform backlash: Americans angry over earmarks

Healthcare reform legislation often means cutting 'deals,' but public anger over earmarks may further gridlock healthcare reform.

Joe Wilson apologizes once, Barack Obama accepts twice

In fundraising video, Joe Wilson seeks to shore up GOP support