PolitiFact
Free
PolitiFact is a Pulitzer Prize-winning website that rates the accuracy of claims by elected officials and others who speak up in American politics.

Our take
Check political statements with the Truth-O-Meter.
PolitiFact is like this trusty pal you call up when you're drowning in a sea of political chatter and need someone to help you make sense of it all. It's a fact-checking site that promises to filter out the noise and deliver the truth about political claims. Now, it’s got this straightforward "Truth-O-Meter" that rates statements from "True" to "Pants on Fire." It's a neat idea, really, and helps you quickly spot the nonsense. **But, keep in mind, the meter is only as good as the people behind it**, so it's smart to stay a tad skeptical and do a bit of digging on your own.
Diving deeper, PolitiFact covers a broad range of political topics. It’s not just stuck on presidential claims; you'll find everything from local government to global issues. **This wide net is both a blessing and a curse**. It’s fantastic if you want a one-stop-shop for fact-checking, but it can also mean they’re spread a bit thin. Some claims might not get the deep dive they deserve, so while it’s a great starting point, don’t forget to cross-reference with other sources if something seems fishy.
One thing I really appreciate is how they lay out the evidence and sources for their ratings. **This transparency is key**, and it makes it easier to trust their conclusions. You can actually see where they’re coming from and decide for yourself if you agree. However, the writing can sometimes get a bit dense and jargon-heavy, which isn't super user-friendly if you're not knee-deep in political lingo. A bit more plain English could go a long way in making the info more accessible to everyone.
On the flip side, PolitiFact’s coverage can sometimes feel a tad biased. **They try to be balanced**, but like any media outlet, they have their own perspectives and limitations. It’s crucial to remember that no fact-checker is immune to bias. So while PolitiFact is a handy tool, it’s best not to rely on it exclusively. Mix it up with other sources to get a fuller picture of whatever claim you’re investigating.
Overall, PolitiFact is a solid choice if you’re trying to wade through political claims and want a quick, straightforward take on what’s true and what’s total bunk. **It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely useful**. Just keep your critical thinking cap on and use it as one of many tools in your political toolbox. It’s about taking what’s useful and leaving what’s not, and PolitiFact definitely has its moments of being quite handy when you’re just trying to cut through the clutter.