Michigan Truth Squad
For too long some Michigan politicians and their consultants have stretched the truth, broken trust with citizens, and ignored the consequences of the things they say. The result is undue mistrust in our political process, one that is ultimately controlled by citizens – ideally informed citizens like you who are taking the time to learn about the issues and the people who represent them in our representative democracy.
The Michigan Truth Squad is a reporting project of Bridge Magazine and The Center for Michigan. Each analysis is produced by the staff of Bridge Magazine and freelancers with deep experience in state politics and policy. Our Truth Squad team has more than 100 years of combined experience as journalists covering Michigan politics, public policy, and current events.
Spread the word – we’re ready to blow the whistle on Michigan politics.
Articles
Foul on Bishop for accusing opponent of tripling staff
Truth Squad cites warning after warning for Mike Bishop’s “Fighting for Our Families” video, and then a foul in his attack on Eric Schertzing.
Truth Squad foul on ad saying Barrett is beholden to Koch group
The Koch brothers’ Americans for Prosperity has backed state House candidate Tom Barrett. Does that mean Barrett will put AFP’s needs first?
Ad portraying Gary Peters as cozy with criminals gets Flagrant Foul
This Super PAC ad suggests that the Democratic Senate candidate knowingly accepted campaign contributions from convicted felons. He did not.
Foul on ad pinning government shutdowns solely on Mike Bishop
Mike Bishop drew plenty of flack for his role in two government shutdowns when he was state Senate Majority Leader. But this ad for Eric Schertzing, Bishop’s Democratic opponent in a race for Congress, ignores the roles of then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm and House leader Andy Dillon in the standoffs.
Schauer gets two Truth Squad warnings and a TBD in guv town hall
Mark Schauer aggressively attacked Gov. Rick Snyder as a putting-business-before-common-folks fat cat. A couple attacks pushed the factual limits.
Snyder gets a Truth Squad warning and fracking foul in town hall event
Gov. Snyder spent much of Sunday’s debate defending his commitment to education and the middle class during his first term in office.
Truth Squad calls foul on pandering Supreme Court ad
Justices Zahra and Viviano try to reconcile being fair, “rule-of-law” judges with their determination to uphold convictions in sex cases. Isn’t it a justice’s duty to ensure a criminal defendant was properly convicted?
Flagrant foul on state GOP for printing phone number for Dem’s ailing mother
State Republicans sent out a flyer urging the public to call Democratic House candidate John Fisher to complain about his vote for Obamacare. It turns out, the number was for the bedside phone of Fisher’s 91-year-old mother, who is getting hospice care.
Warning to state GOP for accusation on Schauer campaign probe
Two weeks after the state dismissed GOP’s complaint, Republican website continues to say the complaint is being investigated.
The wedding dress is fetching, but the claims are crepe
"Brittany” has been one busy bride-to-be, endorsing Republican gubernatorial candidates, including Rick Snyder, because they fit her so well.
Foul on Snyder ad for portrayal of Schauer school vote
A veteran teacher defends Gov. Snyder’s commitment to properly funding K-12 education, but goes awry in saying challenger Schauer voted to cut school budget.
Foul on anti-Schauer ad tying Obamacare to higher taxes
A Republican Governors Association ad claims Obamacare, which Schauer supported, has raised costs and lessened coverage for Michigan seniors.
Fake news site attacking Dem congressional candidate earns flagrant foul
The “South Michigan Update” nails the spending record of Democrat Pam Byrnes. But it turns out this “publication” is fake, and so is the journalism.
Anti-Walberg ad receives flagrant foul for evidence-free claim about flights
If voters don’t like Congress members’ pay and perks, should they vote out the incumbent? That’s the message of an attack ad on Tim Walberg.
