Fact-checker’s delight: Bachmann vs. Grayson

Two of the most quotable members of Congress appeared together on CNN’s Larry King Live, debating health care reform.

Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla., and Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., were notably civil, though their debate only lasted about five minutes.

Perhaps King will have them back for a longer segment next time to mix it up even more.

We fact-checked two of their pithier comments.

Bachmann criticized Democratic plans for health care reform because they don’t reduce costs enough. “President Obama’s bill won’t bring down the costs (of health care) for average Americans — or really for very few Americans, if any,” she said. We rated that False.

Grayson said that health care reform would pass, even if Democrats have to use a parliamentary move known as reconciliation — which only requires 50 votes — to do it. “There’s nothing in Senate rules that prevents reconciliation,” Grayson said. “If it’s good enough for tax cuts for the rich twice under Bush, it’s good enough to provide health care for all Americans.” We checked whether tax cuts for the rich were passed through reconciliation. We rated that Mostly True.