Debate Fact Check: McCain Wrong an Average of Every Four Seconds

WASHINGTON - Carbolic Smoke Ball has determined that during Friday night’s first Presidential debate, John McCain made erroneous statements on an average of every sentence-and-a-half.

McCain’s first erroneous statement occurred three seconds into the debate when he made a teary-eyed announcement that Senator Ted Kennedy was in the hospital.  In fact, Kennedy had been released from the hospital earlier in the day. 

Less than a minute later Barack Obama challenged McCain to explain his support for tax breaks to oil companies totaling $4 billion.  McCain suddenly pulled a sheet of paper from his shirt pocket and pretended to read it. “I’ve just been handed the sad news,” he exclaimed.  “Senator Kennedy passed away a half hour ago.  Let’s have a moment of silence for the Lion of the Senate.”

In fact, Senator Kennedy was watching the debate from the living room of his home.

Obama next challenged McCain to explain why he supported Bush administration policies 90 percent of the time. 

McCain put his hand up to his ear as if he were receiving a message in an earphone.  “Shhh!  Quiet!” McCain said to Obama.  “I am getting the funeral arrangements.”  He paused. “Viewing will be Monday in the Capital Rotunda.”  He paused again.  “No flash photography or umbrellas.”

Senator Kennedy reportedly called several networks during the debate to report that McCain was in error.

Our fact check reveals that Obama was in error during the debate as much as McCain, because he began every comment by agreeing with McCain’s previous statement.

Sep 29

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