

From a post by’s editor James Taranto (original post date 1/24/12):

The Associated Press “fact checks” Jan. 23’s debate, and again shows how ridiculous the whole genre is:



The report shows he has as much as $500,000 invested in the two lenders. GOP presidential hopefuls almost across the board have blamed the two institutions for contributing to the housing crisis that helped to drag the nation into recession. Among Romney’s ties: a mutual fund worth up to $500,000 that includes assets from both lenders among other government income, and separate investments in each of the lenders in Romney’s individual retirement account, each worth between $100,000 and $250,000.


The AP not only does not refute Romney’s factual assertions, it doesn’t even evaluate them. Instead, it responds to Romney’s criticism of Gingrich by offering its own criticism of Romney. That’s fine in a commentary by a Gingrich partisan, or a Democratic partisan seeking to spread the dirt as widely as possible. But the AP is supposed to be in the business of news.

Identifying Media Bias


Types of Media Bias:


1.  How does James Taranto view the Associated Press’ Fact Check of Mitt Romney’s statement?

2.  Do you think Mr. Taranto makes a valid point?  Explain your answer.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the answers.


1.  Mr. Taranto says the AP’s Fact Check doesn’t evaluate the facts, rather it responds to Romney’s criticism of Gingrich by offering its own criticism of Romney.

2.  Opinion question. Answers vary.