Fun with Politics and God
As we head into the convention season, two Web sites are covering politics in fun ways. PolitiFact.com, sponsored by the St. Petersburg Times and Congressional Quarterly, checks the accuracy of statements made in the presidential candidates' speeches and advertisements as well as videos and e-mails circulating the Web. A "Truth-O-Meter" ranks each statement from "True" to "Pants on Fire." For example a McCain statement that Obama plans to raise taxes on electricity is rated as "barely true" because Obama once said in an interview that he would rather tax "dirty" energy sources such as coal than cleaner sources such as wind. Edited by Times D.C. Bureau Chief Bill Adair, PolitiFact reflects the work of four other editors, 18 researchers and 27 writers. www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/
Beliefnet's "God-o-Meter" blog uses a similar concept. Edited by Beliefnet Political Editor Dan Gilgoff, it rates the emphasis that Obama and McCain are putting on religion in their campaigns. Like the "Truth-O-Meter," it's a clever way to present information that might otherwise seem dry. http://blog.beliefnet.com/godometer/
Are there any political sites or stories you recommend? If so, leave us a comment.