Evaluating Campaign Materials

- Separating Fact from Opinion: An informed decision for voting should be based on FACT alone. Determine if this statement is fact or opinion: 1. Tyler Matthews is better informed and has better ideas than his opponent. Opinion2. Being from the state of Virginia, Chris Walker knows more about politics than any other candidate seeking the presidency. Opinion3. Tyler Matthews spent 25 years in the army and received 2 purple hearts. Fact4. As a former educator, candidate Ruhlen knows what's best for public education better than her opponent. Opinion - Detecting Bias: Showing favoritism, prejudice, or being unfair. Identify if these statements contain bias or are unbiased: 5. Since Tyler Matthews has a country accent, he is not well-educated. Bias6. Chris Walker has twin daughters who are currently attending college. Unbiased7. Senator Ruhlen's poll numbers show that she is likely to win the seat. Unbiased8. Being handicapped will prevent Meredith Bailey from performing all the duties of being president. Bias - Evaluating Sources:Knowing the source of information helps determine the credibility of information. Identify if the statements are reliable or unreliable: 9. Sources close to the candidate reported that he cheated on his income tax. Unreliable10. CNN informed viewers that Meredith Bailey has been diagnosed with acute laryngitis. Reliable11. The New York Times reported that Chris Walker is traveling to Virginia. Reliable12. Fox News reports that Tyler Matthews spent the weekend golfing in Florida. Reliable - Identifying Propaganda: Using half-truths and misinformation sway opinions. Write Yes or No to indicate whether the statement is an example of propaganda. 13. Tyler Matthews stands for truth, justice, and the American Way! Yes14. Chris Walker is a radical liberal and will lead the country to bankruptcy. Yes15. Senator Jones told CNN that candidate Ruhlen used to be an educator.No