US President Barack Obama acknowledges the crowd on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party’s nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s hot out there, politically speaking, with Hillary Clinton’s convention going full steam and Donald Trump refusing to stay quiet while Democrats put on their big show. Reality is sometimes getting warped in the process.
A look at some claims Wednesday and how they compare with the facts, on a day packed with a lengthy news conference by Trump and evening convention speeches by high-powered Democrats, capped by President Barack Obama:
OBAMA: “After a century of trying, we declared that health care in America is not a privilege for a few, but a right for everybody.”
THE FACTS: Obama’s health care overhaul does guarantee that people with pre-existing medical conditions can no longer be denied health insurance, but it also made coverage an obligation for everybody. People must have coverage or face fines from the IRS. That mandate remains highly unpopular.
The law provides subsidies to help low- to middle-income people purchase a private plan. But even so, some find their premiums too high. And nearly 29 million remain uninsured, according to government estimates. Health care as a “right for everybody” may better describe Bernie Sanders’ idea of a government-run system for all. That system also entails obligations: the higher taxes that would be collected to pay for it.
Nicholas Kamm, Getty Images
President Barack Obama waves with presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during the third night of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
Justin Sullivan, Getty Images
US President Barack Obama acknowledges the crowd on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
Alex Wong, Getty Images
US Vice President nominee Tim Kaine acknowledges the crowd prior to delivering remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Nicholas Kamm, Getty Images
Delegates hold up signs as Democratic Nominee for Vice President Tim Kaine speaks during the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
Alex Wong, Getty Images
U.S. Sen. Minority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) delivers remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Robyn beck, AFP/Getty Images
Delegates cheer during Day Three of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
Saul loeb, AFP/Getty images
Former Governor of Maryland Martin O'Malley speaks during Day Three of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
Robyn beck, AFP/Getty Images
A Hillary Clinton supporter looks on during day three of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty Images
Vice-President Joe Biden addresses delegates on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia.
Robyn beck, AFP/Getty Images
In this July 27, 2016 photo, U.S. Vice Presient Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden acknowledge the audience on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
Patrick T. Fallon, Getty Images
A man dressed as Jesus Christ dances in protest of a religious group as supporters for former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders hold a rally during the 2016 Democratic National Convention on July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Nicholas Kamm, Getty Images
Lenny Kravitz performs during the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
Patrick T. Fallon, Getty Images
Supporters of former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders hold up posters at a 'Black Men For Bernie' rally to gain support for third party candidates and protest the DNC during the 2016 Democratic National Convention on July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg delivers remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Mark J. Terrill, The Associated Press
Actress Sigourney Weaver speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
Robyn beck, AFP/Getty Images
Former Arizona representative Gabby Giffords and astronaut Mark Kelly join hands after addressing delegates on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Saul loeb, AFP/Getty images
Former US president Bill Clinton (R) cheers as former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg addresses the third evening session of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
Brendan Smialowski, AFP/Getty images
Delegates cheer US Vice President Joe Biden (lower L) during the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016. /
Alex Wong, Getty Images
Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta delivers a speech on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images
Children hold banners at a Bernie Sanders event near City Hall on day three of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The convention officially began on Monday and has attracted thousands of protesters, members of the media and Democratic delegates to the City of Brotherly Love.
Nicholas Kamm, Getty Images
Delegates hold up signs as Democratic Nominee for Vice President Tim Kaine speaks during the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
Saul Loeb, AFP/Getty Images
Former U.S. president Bill Clinton addresses the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton delivers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination.
Alex Wong, Getty Images
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton arrives on stage to deliver remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Saul Loeb, AFP/Getty Images
Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright finishes her address on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Carolyn Kaster, The Associated Press
16-month Ethan Jennings grabs a cardboard cutout of the face of Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton as his father Florida delegate Bernard Jennings holds him during the second day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Mark J. Terrill, The Associated Press
Actor Tony Goldwyn speaks during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Alex Wong, Getty Images
Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder delivers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Alex Wong, Getty Images
Actresses America Fererra, right, and Lena Dunham deliver remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia.
Alex Wong, Getty Images
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) deliovers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Drew Angerer, Getty Images
Interim chair of the Democratic National Committee, Donna Brazile delivers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
Saul Loeb, Getty Images
Former Vermont governor Howard Dean address the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Alex Wong, Getty Images
9/11 survivor, Lauren Manning, delivers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Paul Sancya, The Associated Press
Ryan Moore smiles at the podium as he speaks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Alex Wong, Getty Images
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) walks on stage to deliver remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
First lady Michelle Obama acknowledges the crowd before delivering remarks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
Saul Loeb, AFP/Getty Images
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders smiles during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
Mary Altaffer, The Associated Press
Delegates cheer during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Monday, July 25, 2016.
Timothy A. Clary, AFP/Getty Images
Delegates dance as Paul Simon sings during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 25, 2016.
Saul Loeb, AFP/Getty Images
Former Presidential candidate and US Senator Bernie Sanders gestures during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty Images
Wellington Webb, former mayor of Denver, speaks during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
Mark J. Terrill, The Associated Press
Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Timothy A. Clary, AFP/Getty Images
A Bernard Sanders supporter glows on the floor on Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
Nicholas Kamm, AFP/Getty Images
Signs in opposition to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump are displayed on the floor of the 2016 Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Center on July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
John Locher, The Associated Press
Delegates hold up signs during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Alex Wong, Getty Images
Leah Daughtry, CEO of the Democratic National Convention Committee, waves to the crowd before delivering a speech on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Tape covering the mouth of a delegate from Michigan reads "Silenced By DNC" on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
John Locher, The Associated Press
Florida delegates dance during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images
Bernie Sanders supporters gather at FDR park after marching through downtown on the first day of the Democratic National Convention on July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Singer-songwriter Paul Simon performs on stage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
Mark J. Terrill, The Associated Press
Richard Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO, speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
An attendee in support of Sen. Bernie Sanders walks the floor on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Singer Demi Lovato performs on stage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
Win McNamee, Getty Images
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake bangs the gavel calling to order the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
J. Scott Applewhite, The Associated Press
Astrid Silva walks to the stage to speak about immigration during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Alex Wong, Getty Images
Rep. Luis Gutiérrez (D-Ill) delivers remarks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
Carolyn Kaster, The Associated Press
Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., gives his thumb up as after speaking to delegates during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Robyn Beck, The Associated Press
U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama addresses delegates on Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) delivers remarks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
Saul Loeb, AFP/Getty Images
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren speaks during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
Mark J. Terrill, The Associated Press
Former President Bill Clinton applauds First Lady Michelle Obama as Eric Holder and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, take their seats during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
VIRGINIA SEN. TIM KAINE, Clinton’s running mate: “You can go to HillaryClinton.com right now and find out exactly how she’ll make the biggest investment in new jobs in generations.”
THE FACTS: It’s the biggest in generations only if you don’t count Obama’s $814 billion 2009 stimulus, a curious omission for a Democrat.
Clinton promises to spend $275 billion over five years on roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Obama’s stimulus was more of a hodge-podge and included tax cuts as well as aid to state and local governments. But all of it was intended to boost the economy and hiring.
___
TRUMP: “I never met Putin, I don’t know who Putin is. … I’ve never spoken to him.” — Miami news conference, during a discussion of whether Russia had hacked into emails of the Democratic National Committee.
THE FACTS: Not so long ago, Trump bragged about how well he knew Russian President Vladimir Putin. Now he says he doesn’t know him at all. That appears to be closer to the truth.
In November, when he was trying to burnish his foreign-policy credentials during a GOP primary debate, he said of Putin, “I got to know him very well because we were both on ’60 Minutes,’ we were stablemates, and we did very well that night. ”
That claim was debunked at the time because Trump’s only connection to the Russian leader was that they both appeared on the same show. He was interviewed in New York, Putin in Moscow and they weren’t even in the same segment on the program.
___
OBAMA: “By so many measures, our country is stronger and more prosperous than it was when we started.”
THE FACTS: That progress doesn’t include much of an increase in household income, the yardstick people generally consider their most important measure of prosperity. The typical household now earns $57,206 a year, according to Sentier Research. That’s 2 percent higher than in June 2009, when the recession ended and six months into Obama’s term. (All figures are adjusted for inflation). But it has barely budged since it was $57,147 in December 2007, when the recession began.
___
KAINE: “I want to tell you why I trust Hillary Clinton. First, she’s consistent.”
THE FACTS: Not always — not on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, for example. She promoted the deal as the “gold standard” of trade agreements when she was secretary of state, then turned against it as a candidate who was facing a stiff contest from a primary rival who fiercely and consistently opposed the deal, Bernie Sanders.
Clinton hasn’t been consistent in her explanations of why she had her own email server as secretary of state, changing her story as investigations revealed more about her email practices. That issue has contributed to public distrust of Clinton, a problem Kaine was trying to address in broaching the subject of trust in his remarks.
___
TRUMP: “I never had a second thought in my life.”
THE FACTS: He may want to have a second thought about that thought.
In April, Trump told The New York Times that he should not have retweeted an unflattering photo of Heidi Cruz, wife of GOP primary rival Ted Cruz. “Yeah, it was a mistake,” he said. “If I had to do it again, I wouldn’t have sent it.”
Then in May, he had a third thought.
He told Fox News that “I’m not walking it back” after all, and Mrs. Cruz was fair game because she was so involved in the campaign.
Then in the same interview, he had a fourth thought that was much like the second one: “I wish I didn’t do it.”
___
KAINE: “She’ll make it possible to graduate from college debt-free.”
THE FACTS: Hillary Clinton’s plans would certainly reduce costs, but many students would probably still have to borrow. She has proposed that families who earn less than $125,000 a year will be able to go to in-state colleges and universities tuition-free. Yet many students would still have to pay for room and board, which can make up at least half the cost of attending college.
___
VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN, on Trump: “I know he’s trying to be tough but he’s going to go out and carpet bomb. You want to make friends and influence people in the Middle East? So you’re going to go carpet bomb innocent people and bad people at the same time, and that’s going to help us fight against ISIS?” — on MSNBC.
TRUMP: “I never said I wanted to carpet bomb. That was Ted Cruz.”
THE FACTS: Trump is right. It was his former Republican rival who said repeatedly he would carpet bomb Islamic State targets.
Carpet bombing, by its nature, risks killing large numbers of innocent civilians because it is indiscriminate.
Trump has indeed talked tough about IS, vowing to “bomb the hell” out of the group, level the oil facilities it controls and “blow up every single inch, there would be nothing left.” He didn’t say what there would be nothing left of: an IS encampment, for example, or a city? But he did not call for carpet bombing; Biden put Cruz’s words in Trump’s mouth.
___
LEON PANETTA, former CIA director: “Hillary Clinton is the only candidate who has laid out a comprehensive plan to defeat and destroy ISIS and keep America safe.” — Democratic convention speech.
THE FACTS: Clinton has been touting her plan for months. It’s hardly comprehensive.
The three-part strategy, as described in November, involves crushing IS “on its home turf” in the Middle East, disrupting terrorist infrastructure on the ground and online, and protecting America and its allies.
All are elements already included in Obama’s anti-IS strategy. And none addresses the biggest gaps in the U.S.-led response to the Islamic State over the last two years, such as the lack of effective local troops to defeat IS in Syria.
At what point should U.S. ground troops step in? What levels of civilian deaths are acceptable? How exactly does she propose to end Iraq’s age-old Shiite-Sunni divisions?
She hasn’t said. She’s expounded further, but mostly to reject suggestions by Trump and other Republicans.
___
TRUMP: “I am a person that believes in enhanced interrogation, yes. And by the way, it works.”
THE FACTS: While some intelligence officials still maintain the torture of terrorist suspects thwarted plots, none has pointed to a specific instance. The Senate intelligence committee’s report in late 2014 concluded that no actionable intelligence was gained from the detainees who were put in ice baths, threatened with death, kept in cages, waterboarded and subjected to sleep deprivation, booming music and other forms of psychological torture.
___
TRUMP: “Hundreds of people walked out of the Democrat convention last night. I didn’t even hear about it. Nobody showed it. ”
THE FACTS: If he didn’t hear about it, how does he know about it?
The walkout by disenchanted supporters of Bernie Sanders was widely reported at the time.
Did hundreds walk out in protest? That’s conceivable but impossible to know with precision because this happened at the same time as people were leaving for dinner.
___
KAINE: “Don’t take it from me. Take it from … John McCain’s chief economic adviser in the ’08 race, who estimates Trump’s promises would cause America to lose 3.5 million jobs.”
THE FACTS: That’s a reference to Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, who did advise McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign, though in only a minor role. His analysis concluded that Trump’s tax cuts and trade policies would plunge the U.S. into recession and eliminate 3.5 million jobs. But Zandi has supported other presidential campaigns: In this election cycle, he donated to Clinton.
___
KAINE: Contractors Trump hired to build his casino in Atlantic City “did the work, hung the drywall, poured the concrete. But a year after opening, Trump filed for bankruptcy. He walked away with millions. They got pennies on the dollar.” And people in Florida paid deposits on condos, “but the condos were never built. He just pocketed their money and walked away.”
THE FACTS: Trump did stiff contractors on the casino. In Florida, he licensed his brand to a condo developer and appeared in marketing materials, attracting buyers. He was paid licensing fees, but condo buyers lost their deposits when the actual developer canceled the project.
___
TRUMP: “I have nothing to do with Russia, yes… I built an unbelievable company but if you look there you’ll see there’s nothing in Russia.”
THE FACTS: Trump staged the Miss Universe competition in Russia, traveled there for it and boasted that it drew “almost all the oligarchs.”
There’s no evidence, though, that he has financial ties to Russia. He has neither developed properties nor licensed his name to buildings there, though he’s tried.
He has sold property to Russians, such as a $100 million Palm Beach, Florida, home in 2008.
