10 years after Trump’s first speech, we’re still fact-checking the same false claims
Do you remember Donald Trump’s first presidential announcement speech, made 10 years ago today?
He entered the room via a Trump Tower escalator ride with wife Melania. He insulted Mexicans as rapists bringing drugs and crime, belatedly noting “some, I assume, are good people.” He described the U.S. as the loser laughingstock of the world, and said he would use his deal-making prowess to land better trade deals, fix immigration, repeal Obamacare and stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
Ten years and three campaigns later, Trump’s off-the-cuff style, his ease with insults or his propensity for lying remain trademarks. His introductory speech may feel like typical fare now, but it defined a new era where false claims are more frequent and more brazen.
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Fact-checking and its detractors