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
Flagrant foul to teachers group for video bashing Snyder
The MEA attacks governor for education cuts that it says led to slashed programs and big bonuses for CEOs.
Truth Squad gives warning in Snyder 'Numbers' ad
Gov. Snyder gives himself a low-key pat on the back for economic improvements he says he has made as governor, and we run the numbers.
Truth Squad calls foul on Snyder attack ad
There is no question that many Michigan seniors are taking a tax hit on pensions and property taxes under the governor’s tax reforms. Dems attack this vulnerability but go too far.
Truth Squad foul for saying Schauer “nearly destroyed” Michigan
GOP guvs offer grim portrait of state’s financial decline under Granholm, when Mark Schauer was in the Senate. But ad ignores auto crisis in assigning blame.
Truth Squad issues warning on ad attacking AG Schuette
Democratic challenger Mark Totten takes the gloves off and sets them on fire in painting Bill Schuette as a right-wing zealot.
Truth Squad gives foul for image used in anti-Schauer ad
An ad attacking Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer would have been fine had it stuck to its tax-and-spend critique. But one image changed all that.
Warning on guv candidate Schauer’s first TV ad
If the economy is only working for the wealthy, Schauer should provide some evidence.
Foul on Snyder for playing word games with pension tax
The governor argues that sometimes a tax isn’t a tax - a claim that few seem to buy.
Anti-Peters 'Roadblock' ad hits a speed bump
A 30-second TV ad and web post reprising Peters support for foreign firms is true, but incomplete.
Land ad hits Peters for accepting Wall Street cash
The Republican candidate's Wall Street commercial walks the line between hyperbole and truth.
Charge and counter-charge in West Michigan Congressional battlefield
U.S. Rep. Justin Amash and challenger Brian Ellis are trading blows in the 3rd District GOP primary. Both are fouling.
Still-unbuilt bridge at center of candidate scuffle, drawing a warning
Democratic rivals are trading charges over legislation for a bridge to Canada in the 4th District State Senate primary race.
Ads in 8th district put focus on records, and one lands foul
The race between Tom McMillin and Mike Bishop has led to some hard punches, but examination of the claims find them mostly OK.
Distortions on health-care claims earn fouls on both sides
As two conservatives try to out-renounce Obamacare, their contentions about one another veer into foul territory.
Proposal 1 spot toes the line on factual claims
The proposal to repeal Michigan’s personal property tax and replace it with a different tax may be confusing, but the measure’s supporters are playing fair in their advertising.
Trott ad earns warning for contending Bentivolio won’t meet with voters
His ad says U.S. Rep. Kerry Bentivolio “failed to stand up for conservatives” by missing a vote, but goes further and claims he’s MIA at town hall meetings.
When does life begin? Assumptions on scientific issues gets warning
A candidate’s proposed Life at Conception Act raises tricky questions about whether such a proposal would ban common forms of birth control.
Medicaid melee as 37th District candidates defend expansion votes
Two state representatives explain their voting records on Medicaid expansion, and one gets a foul from the Truth Squad.
Truth Squad: More clutching than punching in governor’s race
While Gov. Rick Snyder sits on his lead with gauzy character ads, challenger Mark Schauer takes aim at Snyder’s education record, in one case going too far.
Changes to Michigan Truth Squad
Truth Squad is streamlining standards for judging accuracy of political ads.
