How the Truth-O-Meter works
The heart of PolitiFact NBC is the Truth-O-Meter, which we use to rate the candidates’ claims and
attacks.
The Truth-O-Meter is based on the concept that – especially in politics – truth is not black and white.
Depending on how much information a candidate provides, a statement can be half true or barely true
without being false.
PolitiFact NBC writers and editors spend considerable time deliberating on our rulings. We always
try to get the original statement in its full context rather than an edited form that appeared in news
stories. When possible, we go to original sources to verify the claims. We look for original government
reports rather than news stories. We interview impartial experts.
We then decide which of our six rulings should apply:
TRUE – The statement is accurate and there’s nothing significant missing.
MOSTLY TRUE – The statement is accurate but needs clarification or additional
information.
HALF TRUE – The statement is accurate but leaves out important details or takes
things out of context.
MOSTLY FALSE – The statement contains some element of truth but ignores critical
facts that would give a different impression.
FALSE – The statement is not accurate.
PANTS ON FIRE – The statement is not accurate and makes a ridiculous claim.