FactChecking the First Debate

FactCheck.org takes a look at some of claims in the first debate. Here's some of what it found:

* Kissinger did say he wanted "high level" talks with Iran, but, despite what Obama claimed, he didn't say at the presidential level.

* Obama did vote to raise taxes on people making as little as $42,000 a year, despite his denial.

* Although Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen did say a time line for withdrawal could be “very dangerous,” he was not talking specifically about Obama's plan, as McCain claimed.

* Earmark appropriations have decreased over the years, despite McCain's claim that they have "tripled."

* Iraq has a $60 billion surplus, not the $79 billion Obama claimed.

* Oil imports run at $536 billion this year, not the $700 billion McCain claimed.

* 81% of households would receive a tax cut under Obama's plan, not the 95% he claimed.

* Workers would be taxed on the value of health benefits under McCain's plan, not employers, as Obama claimed.

* Obama would allow people to keep their current health-care plans or chose from private ones, despite McCain's claim that Obama wants a government-run health-care system.

* Gen. Eisenhower drafted a letter accepting responsibility if the D-Day invasion failed, not offering his resignation, as McCain claimed.

FactCheck details its research in the article.

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