Tuesday, November 6 (Election Day) is approaching quickly. MHS students (even those not eligible to vote), faculty and the nation have the question of which candidate is equipped  to run the free world properly burning on the tip of their tongues. Debates are raging between not only Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, but also between those who attend McIntosh. However, information many students are using in their impromptu debates could be completely false. Politifact.com, a Pulitzer award-winning site, can help MHS students distinguish fact from fiction.

Thorough, unbiased political analysis and sound math on statements about the economy encompasses Politifact.com. Reporters and researchers from PolitiFact (sponsored by the Tampa Bay Times) examine the validity of a politician’s statements, a candidate’s current position on a topic as opposed to his previous position and the president’s progress in keeping his campaign promises. The site uses a 3 to 6 level rating scales to show accurately the reporters and researchers findings. The rating scales are explained in greater detail on PolitiFact’s “About” page.

Anyone can request the fact-checking of a politician’s statement, a candidate’s current position on a topic, or the president’s progress in keeping his campaign promises by directly contacting PolitiFact if the information is not already on the site. The waiting period for a response can range. A response from PolitiFact may take over a month during a time of great political activity.

For MHS students — and anyone else in need of a political statement to be fact-checked — Politifact.com may be tremendous help.  One “Pants on Fire” rating on a politician’s statement could win someone the makeshift political debate at his or her lunch table.