If you’re trying to get a handle on how PolitiFact (PF) does “numbers”, here’s one that may support the contention by some that PolitiFact does not apply consistent standards in its rulings. I’ve noted before that I don’t prefer comparing rulings because there’s always an “apples to oranges” factor somewhere. This comparison of two recent PF rulings may have enough "equivalencies", however, as I will show.
Two MSNBC liberals are the subject of this post: Lawrence O’Donnell, who has taken the place of Keith Olbermann, and Ed Schultz of “The Ed Show.” PolitiFact ruled “True” on a statement by O’Donnell that “Most Americans live within 50 miles of a nuclear power plant.” PolitiFact Wisconsin ruled “False” on a statement by Schultz that “Under changes being debated, state employees in Wisconsin "who earn $30,000, $40,000, $50,000 a year might have 20 percent of their income just disappear overnight."
What should be noted first off is that O’Donnell qualified his statement with the word “most” (--Americans live close to a nuclear power plant) and Schultz qualified his statement with the word “might” (--have 20% of their pay disappear).
