Glenn Kessler

Author and reporter Glenn Kessler discussed his role as fact checker for The Washington Post. In his newspaper column and online, he examines the statements of political figures and diplomats. Based upon his evaluation of the accuracy of the statements, he awards as many as four “Pinocchios” to the speaker, and explains his reasoning. He talked about the criticism of fact checking columns and websites from both the left and the right. He reviewed some of his “8 Worst Pinocchios of the Year,” including an Internet advertisement from the Agenda Project suggesting that Republican plans for Medicare restructuring would endanger senior citizens. Mr. Kessler also shared stories about growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio. He described testifying at the trial of I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby in 2007. In addition, he explains the difference between a person speaking to a reporter on the record, on background, and off the record. close