From the presidential race to the HB 2 debate, fact-checkers have been plenty busy. The website Politifact has put its “truth-o-meter” to work on the talking points, and we hear what’s fact and what’s fiction. Then we take a look at the state of the Democratic party.
Part 1
There are two groups who’ve been busy dealing with North Carolina’s House Bill 2: lawyers and fact-checkers. Some claims about the controversial law have been labeled “half-true,” others flat-out “false.” The website Politifact uses reporters and researchers to dig into politicians’ talking points. The Pulitzer Prize-winning operation recently expanded into North Carolina. We hear about how they separate truth and fiction, and which claims have been burning up their “truth-o-meter.”
Guests
Aaron Sharockman - executive director, Politifact
Will Doran - reporter, The News & Observer, Politifact North Carolina
Part 2
The Democratic presidential race is in the home stretch. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders have one big showdown ahead next week, and it’s expected Clinton will hit the magic number to clinch the nomination. But Sanders shows no sign he’ll fade into the background going into this summer’s convention. He recently said things could get “messy” as he tries to forge a more progressive platform for the party to run on. Is the continued sparring good for the Democrats, or does it distract from the fight ahead with Donald Trump? And how does the party plan to turn North Carolina from red to blue?
Guests
Dr. Adolphus Belk - professor of political science, African American Studies Program Director, Winthrop University
Matt Newton - chairman, Mecklenburg County Democratic Party
Dan McCorkle - Democratic strategist