WaPo Fact Checker Michael Dobbs Gives Edwards 2 Pinnochios

The Pinocchio Test

There are significant differences between Edwards and Clinton on Iraq, including the timing of the withdrawal and the number of residual forces left in Iraq. But Edwards has exaggerated his differences with the Democratic front-runner by misrepresenting some of the details in her withdrawal plan. His own plan could still leave a significant U.S. military role in Iraq for years to come. Two Pinocchios.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2007/10/the_fine_print_in_hillarys_pro_1.html


Of course, Rudy Giuliani recently hauled in FOUR of the long-nosed little bastards, so what the hey.
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2007/11/four_pinocchios_for_rudy_the_r.html

Did not see that one on the page.

The Pinocchio Test

It seems fairly clear what is going on here. Hillary wants to let her supporters know that she will end the Iraq war and bring the troops home. Bold statements about ending U.S. "involvement" in Iraq win points on the campaign trail and enthuse the Democratic base. At the same time, she also does not want to tie her own hands as president with promises made during the election. Thus the fine print.

To be fair to Clinton, other candidates have also been less than forthright about how they would end the Iraq war. Over the next few months, we will take a look at statements by leading candidates from both sides of the political divide on this vital issue. We should also note that Clinton usually acknowledges exceptions to her "get out of Iraq" rhetoric when asked a specific question by a reporter or an audience member.

On the other hand, her bold "I will end the war" promise is an obvious exaggeration. A truer description of her position would be, "I will do my best to end a war that I now believe to have been deeply mistaken, but the United States has many interests in the Middle East that must be protected."

Or is fact-checking Republican candidates not so very interesting?

I'd much rather load up on Republican prevarication than Democratic stretchers, particularly when the Republican ones seem to be so much more egregious.

so I wouldn't place any merit in one word out of that GOP tool.