TCTI: Too Crazy Too Ignore
 Dave Ross

Fact checking Bill Clinton

September 6, 2012 @ 7:29 am (Updated: 11:12 am - 9/6/12 )

cedargrove
There's only one problem with Clinton's speech, he's not the candidate. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Last night Bill Clinton alleged Republicans have little use for facts.

"Their campaign pollster said we are not going to let our campaign be dictated by fact checkers," said Clinton.

Which is true.

Republican Pollster Neil Newhouse said exactly that last week.

But what about Bill's facts? Applause tends to rise as accuracy declines, and Clinton pretty much bent the applause needle.

So I went to FactCheck.org which writes that the worst they could find was that he oversold Obamacare as bringing down the rate of increase in health care spending, when most of it hasn't taken effect yet.

But the part where he said that since 1961 Democrats added 42 million private jobs while Republicans added only 24 million, which you think would be a wild partisan exaggeration, is true, says FactCheck.

So I checked Politifact. True says Politifact.

So I checked the Washington Post fact checker. Their main gripe with Clinton: Claiming the Obama budget, with its taxes on the rich, reduces the deficit by $4 trillion. They say that it's wildly optimistic. But that would imply that the Romney budget, which attempts to cut taxes for everyone, would be even more wildly optimistic.

All in all, Bill comes off pretty well. Bringing us to the real problem with his speech and the rapturous applause it got, which is that: he's not the candidate.

Dave Ross Commentary:

You might also be interested in:

Tom's take: President Clinton delivers for Obama

Costco founder tells DNC about real job creation

More Dave Ross

MyNorthwest.com - Purpose of Comments statement
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.

Comments (150)


  • Add A Comment

  • Chuck Gould wrote...
    He was pretty animated and excited during the entire speech....
    September 6, 2012 8:01 am
    I was wondering if there was an intern out of sight behind the podium.

    (shame on me)

    Politics is a business of lies. Lies are the common currency of the art. The real key is not particularly how boldly and imaginatively you can lie about what you have done, what you will do, and what a terrible person your opponent is- the real key is how well you can sell your basket of Bee Ess to the public.

    The public seems to have an insatiable appetite for Bee Ess. Once they carefully choose their poison by the the D or R label on the package, they swear every last morsel is heavenly delicious.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • logical open mind wrote...
    Ive watched some good speeches the last two nights and have deceided to vote straight D party
    September 6, 2012 9:11 am
    Why-I dont hate blacks, I dont hate women, I dont hate grandma's, I AM NOT RICH, the 16T is not and never will be a problem, there are no unintended consequenses to gov dependency, welfare is working fine-more people should enroll, republicans cause jobs to go out of country, not GLOBAL FREE TRADE, and finally under Dem leadership I will get more free stuff, my kids will benefit in the future from the free stuff, social security, medicare and medicaid will be fine as is and I can spend my money on boats instead of health care. Also, I can quit giving money to charity as the Dems will take care of all peoples needs. This gives more money for boats. Europe will then follow the US lead and this will solve their fiscal problems. I feel so much better now-D's will fix all problems and only the rich will need to pay for it!! YAY!!!!!! Im not rich!!!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Iklwa wrote...
    More Free Stuff, please
    September 6, 2012 1:08 pm
    Say, I want some “free stuff” too. If all I have to do is vote with all of the “D”‘s, sign me up. I think the democrats’ economic plan is working exactly the way democrats want it to work. Eventually, everyone will be on assistance and afraid to vote out their bennies. I just lost my job and it would be nice if the government would send my wife and me on a cruse. You know, to relieve the stress of joblessness. A pool would be a nice addition too…for therapy you understand.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sportsguru wrote...
    Oh boy,
    September 6, 2012 8:02 am

    I expect the conservative christian RWNJ to spin this fact wildly. Stay tune and get your popcorn ready because either they are going to ignore this blog post or some wild twisting of the facts presented will get twisted like never before.

    Clinton was on fire last night, he broke the GOP off pretty good and pretty much put his foot in the GOP's a55 and it's probably going to take a shoe maker to dislodge his foot from there a55,lol.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Kief Sloberman wrote...
    When Clinton wags his finger
    September 6, 2012 8:06 am
    you know he isn't lying. Last night his was wagging both wildly, like a mad conductor. I just hit the mute and watched. Bravo maestro! This was better than The Blue Dress Concerto.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • cdbtx wrote...
    Really?
    September 6, 2012 8:08 am
    Clinton - "One of the main reasons America should re-elect President Obama is that he is still committed to cooperation." SERIOUSLY?????

    CLINTON: "I know many Americans are still angry and frustrated with the economy. ... I experienced the same thing in 1994 and early 1995. Our policies were working but most people didn't feel it yet. By 1996, the economy was roaring, halfway through the longest peacetime expansion in American history." SERIOUSLY?

    Anyone remember the DotCom bubble, the NASDQ drop of 46% and the repeal of the Glass/Steagall act.. guess not

    Ideologs hear, read, and see what they want too and often it's far from reality.

    Convention speeches are nothing more than a pep rally for the masses - Ideolog's drool at the speeches and grasp the words as Gospel - real people simply go about their lives and as the famous Pooh said "Oh Bother"

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • William Lawn wrote...
    Yeah, I remember the housing bubble too
    September 6, 2012 8:21 am
    Oh, but but but but Barney Frank caused that.

    When he was ranking member (in the minority and next to powerless) on the House Banking Committee.

    And the repeal of Glass/Seagal, Bill signed it (like a fool), Republicans wrote it. And were in the majority in both Houses of Congress. It was the The Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act, Who wrote it?

    Republicans

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • kata wrote...
    Heh.
    September 6, 2012 11:24 am
    http://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/30/business/fannie-mae-eases-credit-to-aid-mortgage-lending.html
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • William Lawn wrote...
    I'm sure you have a point posting that
    September 6, 2012 1:44 pm
    I'm just not sure what it is.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • myopinion wrote...
    Listen AJ
    September 6, 2012 8:14 am
    I dont have many great things to say about you, I think that most of what you say is basically because you are not the sharpest knife in the drawer. But the fact is, the facts that he was stating are true, check with the factcheck.org. And in case you did not know he is not the candidate.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Rick W7PSK wrote...
    I would say there is a lack of Fact Check Sites Dave
    September 6, 2012 8:15 am
    is because its D's speaking, not R's. They wont fact check their darlings.

    Too bad neither party is any really different from each other. And I wish for the day that the American People would wake up to that.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Oly80 wrote...
    wow...
    September 6, 2012 9:35 am
    really?

    you think that the microscope won't be on the Dems because the fact check sites are liberal?

    ...really?

    they DO check EVERYONE. if they don't they lose credibility. they aren't fox news. the cover their bases with facts.

    wow. that's some ignorant posting.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • myopinion wrote...
    And Remeber
    September 6, 2012 8:20 am
    Politicians are teh only group of people that create problems, then rail against them. We don't write the budget they do. If taxes are written to benefit the rich it's because they want it that way. If there is a war in Afganistan it because you guessed it, it's because they want it that way. 545 people control 300 million of us. I don't care if you are a D or an R there is enough blame to go around. And both parties will be held to account when the economy really crashes because of the NATIONAL DEBT, that BOTH parties are responsible for. By the constitution
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Vlastimil wrote...
    meanwhile, in real news.....
    September 6, 2012 8:27 am
    The national debt has topped 16 trillion dollars!! Who gives an S about another political speech? It's time to vote every incumbent out, and vote in a third party candidate that recognises and understands the Constitution. Anything else will just affirm the status quo and maintain the course towards the cliff. Don't be the sheep.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cbrew wrote...
    Please name a 3rd party candidate with any support in the US
    September 6, 2012 9:15 am
    ... if you can i just might vote for him... but problem is, there isn't any... 3rd party alternatives have been dead since Perot.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sportsguru wrote...
    Cbrew
    September 6, 2012 9:22 am

    That's my point, I keep hearing about Gary Johnson and the good doctor, but they can't pull any support to get there name on the ballot, they keep talking about following the constitution but were are all these people that want to follow the constitution?

    Does the Tea Party want to follow the constitution, no, if they did, Romney would not be there Candidate, they just don't want to be taxed anymore. Where are you at and were is your candidate, if Americans want to go back to what our government us to be in the founding days of our government why haven't I heard about it other than ROOMTEMP?

    I call BS, because if you had a candidate on the ballot, I the crazy fool who just might give them a chance. Buck up and get a candidate on the ballot, the Tea party was able to be heard how come you can't organize and be heard, were are the links to these alternative and why aren't you sharing them and putting your money behind them, convince me PLEASE or stay in the shadows?

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Rick (4) wrote...
    @Cbrew and sportsguru
    September 6, 2012 10:51 am
    Gary Johnson is on the ballot in ALL 50 states. I am voting for him because I like his platform. You should check out his platform and his VP running mate at http://garyjohnson2012.com
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Vlastimil wrote...
    gary johnson is on the ballot in all 50 states
    September 6, 2012 11:12 am
    If you fear that voting third party is the same as voting for the other guy, find a friend or family member who is on the opposite end of the political spectrum as you and convince them to vote for Johnson with you. That way its a wash for the two parties. Also, tell pollsters you are voting for Johnson. If enough people do this it can finally elevate another party to a point where the people have a real option.

    Next time you get your voters pamphlet, flip through and read some of the lesser known and funded(bought) candidates. There are some good ones in there. Reject the status quo.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • logical open mind wrote...
    I will vote G Johnson libertarian as well. Face it, this is a blue state, Obama and our D congress will win.
    September 6, 2012 11:58 am
    I vote libertarian unless the race is close.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Iklwa wrote...
    How can you tell?
    September 6, 2012 1:18 pm
    Every time you vote Libertarian, you help the leftist wing of the democrat party in Washington State. Even our so-called republicans are left leaning. At least they could be better than what we always get with the likes of Murray, Cantwell, Larson and Gregoire. In a state where voting can at times be close, by insisting on a “protest vote” or a “principal vote” you hand control over to those who would be happiest taking away your right to vote. How do you know if it’s going to be close or not until the votes are counted? Wise UP!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Rick (4) wrote...
    @Iklwa
    September 6, 2012 5:45 pm
    I know a lot of liberal democrats that are voting for Gary Johnson, because they are tired of Obama not doing his job. As well as republicans that will vote for Gary because they are sick of the establishment candidates such as Romney.

    lastly, There are only 2 candidates on the Washington state ballot for all seats except for President, so this has no affect on state politics. I am voting a split party ballot for the state elections based on the candidate and not the party they represent.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • kata wrote...
    sell you on your own liberty and independence?
    September 6, 2012 12:05 pm
    Sorry SG, but you gotta want it. Enough to actually look it up yourself. Which is why eventually, I think this Nation is borked.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sportsguru wrote...
    kata
    September 6, 2012 4:17 pm

    Way to sell the libertarian agenda. With salesmen or saleswomen like you. I now know why nobody's following your message.

    I certainly apologize for not knowing any and everything about the political process and every candidate.

    Rick (4) and Vlastimil thanks for the links and your suggestions, that's how you get a dialogue started.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • kata wrote...
    @SG : lol!
    September 6, 2012 4:47 pm
    Do I look like a salesperson to you? XD

    When I was but a young tyke and I wanted to know how to spell a word or how large a grown cheetah was, I would ask my father. And he'd point to the Dictionary or our horribly out of date but still lovely set of musty 1950something World Book Encyclopedias and say "Look it up". To which of course, I'd whine and ask him why he couldn't just tell me. And he'd look at me again over his paper and say : Kata dear, you should always know how to get information.

    (Of course this is where I'd say "That's why I'm asking YOU!" and get chased out of the house to play for having a sassy mouth.)

    But seriously, Google is your friend and curiosity for the sake of being curious is far better than any marketing gimmicks I could pull out of my hat.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sportsguru wrote...
    kata
    September 6, 2012 5:45 pm

    So I guess this is your way of chasing me out of the house. I think you have to play the game the same way the political process is played in America.

    You have to learn to educate people Kata, the dems and repubs are good at giving education, rather they are lies or not, they make sure you have the information you need to CHOOSE THERE AGENDA. I think you are aware how most people get there information, you have to go were people are and not expect everybody to navigate that information on there own if you want to participate in moving a NATION in another direction.

    Just a suggestion, now I will go outside and play.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • kata wrote...
    sorry SG
    September 7, 2012 8:04 am
    I am fresh out of glitz and I despise "the game". Frankly, I figure most people come to these sites to see what the "R/LWNJs have to say today" and have a verbal brawl or two so they can walk away feeling justified with their party of choice. Who is going to pay attention?

    But if it will make you feel better...

    http://www.garyjohnson2012.com/ -- http://www.lp.org/platform

    Supposedly I agree with this platform "92%" - if you can believe the goofy online tests. But I've called myself an independent (small L) libertarian for almost 20 years now.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sportsguru wrote...
    kata
    September 7, 2012 1:06 pm
    Thank you, apparently yours is the same as Rick(4), I have been looking at it off and on since yesterday. So is Ron Paul thru and everybody is following Gary now? Are they not one and the same? Ok, I will look it up kata,lol. I just thought maybe they were on the same team since they are libertarian, it would be nice to see how they differ besides the age of the candidates.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Qballrail wrote...
    Like I Said...
    September 6, 2012 7:44 pm
    He's gaining momentum.. and fast. Better either jump on board or get run over because he's about to put on the steam.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • roomtemp wrote...
    Huh, what...?
    September 6, 2012 11:15 pm
    Somebody swingin' my tepid moniker around loosely?

    Oh ok, It's sportsguru and I like being an 'other than'. Hiya sporty, how's things?

    Carry on then...

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sportsguru wrote...
    roomtemp
    September 7, 2012 6:20 am
    :)
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Qballrail wrote...
    Try Gary Johnson..
    September 6, 2012 7:42 pm
    He's a Libertarian candidate that's actually gaining 11th hour momentum. School's in sucka read up... garyjohnson2012.com. He's on the ballot in ALL 50 states. If you'd look past the media and quit being mesmerized by your xbox!!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • HPD 5-0 wrote...
    Vlastimil wrote. The national debt has topped 16 trillion dollars!! Who gives an S about another political speech? It's time to vote every incumbent out, and vote in a third party candidate that recognises and understands the Constitution.
    September 6, 2012 10:52 am
    Yes. But you will never stop Owebama's comrades from voting. They so badly dream of the U.S.S.A.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • J D wrote...
    don't you love it?
    September 6, 2012 8:27 am
    Fake Indians, fake birth certificates, honoring a man who left a woman to drown in his car, having a serial philander and impeached official be a keynote speaker. Don't you love it?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • maplefish wrote...
    @ J D
    September 6, 2012 8:41 am
    That is Brilliant! Yep, I love it!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • J D wrote...
    Maplefish
    September 6, 2012 11:13 am
    "A blonde in every pond!" Ted Kennedy has been sober for what, 3 years now? But who's counting...
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • maplefish wrote...
    @ JD
    September 6, 2012 11:51 am
    "Blond in every pond" Too funny....Teddy's sober alright..... dead sober....:D
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • CyberRacer wrote...
    Nether Republicans OR Democrats add jobs
    September 6, 2012 8:31 am
    Government just creates more government (and that includes public sector "jobs"). The party that's successful is the one that gets the heck out of the way of the private sector, and lets THEM to do what THEY do...create the jobs. There are some politicians on both sides of the political spectrum who get that. Unfortunately Obama's not one of them.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }