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The Failure of Fact-Checking in an Election Year Is Especially Painful

The rubric is ‘Heads Democrats win, tails Republicans lose,’ and we see it over and over.

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Left: Republican presidential nominee and former president Donald Trump speaks in Bedminster, N.J., August 15, 2024. Right: Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks in Raleigh, N.C., August 16, 2024.

Jeenah Moon, Jonathan Drake/Reuters

The general ineptitude of what passes for media “fact-checking” is no secret. We all see it, this pitiful charade.

What feels especially disheartening about it right now is that it stands against the backdrop of a presidential election. It’s a bit like being a lonely heart at Christmastime. The void is there year-round, sure, but the pain is especially pronounced during the holidays. Likewise, if ever there was a time for rigorous fact-checking, it’s a political face-off between two terrible presidential candidates.

Becket Adams

About the Author

Becket Adams

Becket Adams is a columnist for National Review, the Washington Examiner, and The Hill.

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