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In the aftermath of the 2024 presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, CNN fact-checking reporter Daniel Dale revealed a startling disparity in the number of false claims made by each candidate. According to Dale, Trump made at least 33 false claims during the debate, while Harris was found to have made just one, marking a stark contrast in the level of honesty between the two contenders.
Dale, known for his meticulous fact-checking, expressed astonishment at the sheer volume of untruths delivered by the former president. “This was a staggeringly dishonest debate performance from former President Trump,” Dale stated, noting that Trump’s inaccuracies spanned a wide range of topics, including abortion, crime statistics, healthcare, and a baseless rumor about migrants eating pets in Ohio.
Trump’s “Untethered” Statements
Trump’s remarks during the debate, Dale pointed out, were not just political exaggerations or spin, but rather claims that were “untethered to reality.” The fact-checker highlighted several specific examples, including Trump’s inaccurate statements on crime figures and his false assertions regarding healthcare reform. Dale described Trump’s comments on abortion and the bizarre claim about migrants eating pets as particularly “odious” and far from the truth.
Dale noted that Trump’s pattern of dishonesty has been a defining feature of his political career. “No major presidential candidate before Donald Trump has ever lied with this kind of frequency,” he said, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of Trump’s debate performance.
Harris’ Single Misstep
In contrast, Kamala Harris made only one false claim during the debate, according to Dale. Her misleading statement involved the economic situation left by the Trump administration, which she portrayed as worse than it actually was. Although Harris added “a few misleading claims and a few more that lack key context,” Dale clarified that her errors were incomparable to the barrage of untruths delivered by Trump.
On X (formerly Twitter), Dale summarized the discrepancy between the two candidates, writing: “Trump has been staggeringly dishonest and Harris has been overwhelmingly (though not entirely) factual.”
Fact-Checking for the Public
Dale’s team at CNN provided a comprehensive online fact-check of the debate, covering each of Trump’s false claims in detail. While Dale admitted he didn’t have enough time during the broadcast to run through every falsehood, he encouraged viewers to explore the full fact-check for an in-depth analysis.
The overwhelming dishonesty from Trump and the relatively truthful performance from Harris serve as a stark reminder of the importance of fact-checking in modern political discourse. As both candidates continue their campaigns, Dale’s analysis will likely shape public perceptions of the truthfulness of their messages.
