The Fact-Checker’s Pocket Guide

Misinformation spreads faster than corrections ever can, and campaign staff, volunteers, and candidates need a reliable way to separate fact from fiction before it costs them credibility. It can be hard to make sense of what is real and what is rumor, especially if we’re just trying to keep up in the first place. This fact-checking guide breaks down the exact steps to verify a claim, trace a rumor back to its source, and spot the warning signs of manipulated data or falsified quotes. It's built for people who don't have time to become professional researchers but still need to get it right.

When sitting politicians are spreading disinformation and harmful propaganda without rebuke, differentiating between fact and fiction is incredibly important. This resource will help you do just that. Use this pocket guide anytime you’re prepping talking points, responding to an opponent’s attack, or just trying to figure out if that viral post is true. It walks through how to fact-check dubious claims using the same methods professional journalists rely on, so you can push back on disinformation with confidence instead of guesswork.

Included are:

• A step-by-step process for verifying claims before you repeat or respond to them

• Red flags for identifying when a claim is likely false or misleading

• Guidance on evaluating source credibility, from news outlets to social media accounts

• A quick-reference checklist you can use in the field or at your desk