OUR STANDARDS (YES, WE HAVE THEM)
Methodology
Evidence before punchlines.
What we check
We separate checkable factual claims from opinion, prediction and satire. Every published verdict needs dated evidence and source links. Primary sources come first; reputable independent fact-checkers supply context. If a statement cannot be checked, it gets a shrug, not a verdict.
Verdicts
- False
- contradicted by reliable evidence.
- Misleading
- technically selective, or missing material context.
- Needs context
- the claim has to be qualified to be understood correctly.
- Unsupported
- we found no reliable evidence that backs it up. That is not the same as proven false.
- Supported
- substantiated by the available evidence. Yes, it exists. We will use it the moment it applies.
Where entries come from
Entries build on reporting by independent fact-checkers (mainly FactCheck.org and PolitiFact) and on primary records such as transcripts and recordings. Each entry links to its sources so you can check our homework.
Known limits (we like transparency)
The archive is a curated sample, not a census of everything ever said. Most entries rely on one or two sources, and a few outlets supply most of them. Statement dates and venues are not always verified, and those entries say so. An archive date is not a statement date. We would rather admit gaps than paper over them.
Corrections
New evidence may change a verdict. Updates and corrections are logged with dates and explanations. Unreviewed items are never published as fact checks. Spotted a mistake? Open an issue on GitHub and we will look.
Contradiction tracker
Every comparison needs two attributable statements, dates and direct source links. We keep the context and separate genuine factual conflict from changes in circumstances, policy or emphasis. We do not speculate about intent or memory.
Satire
The jokes are aimed at claims, positions and public conduct on the record. We do not invent quotes, diagnose anyone, or guess at anyone’s health. A joke is never a source, and a verdict is never a joke.