Obama Campaign Launches ‘Truth Teams’

The Blaze
February 13, 2012
by Christopher Santarelli

Fans and critics alike may get a kick out of the Obama reelection campaign’s decision to launch a “Truth Team” to fend off expected attacks on the President’s record. The campaign explains:

“The Truth Team is a network of supporters of President Obama who are committed to responding to unfounded attacks and defending the President’s record. When you’re faced with someone who misrepresents the truth, you can find all the facts you need right here—along with ways to share the message with whoever needs to hear it.”

ABC News reports the campaign is looking to “enlist” and “educate” nearly 2 million people for the team.

The Truth Team webpage features a blog with references to three outlets “AttackWatch,” KeepingGOPHonest,“ and ”KeepingHisWord.”

“Every time a baseless attack comes to light, we’ll arm you with the truth so you can spread the word.”

Attack Watch — launched last fall — includes a Politifact-like blog putting a quote next to a truth team answer, which includes no citations, “Attack Files,” as well as pages to “Report an Attack” or “Spread the Word.“ Some recent Attack Watch blog posts include ”Mitt Romney downplays our economic recovery,“ ”Debunking the so-called ‘War on Religion’,“ and ”Romney’s favorite Medicare lie.”

A press release for the campaign watchdog launch explains that the grassroots organization is aiming to double the number of supporters who took part in the Fight the Smears initiative during the 2008 campaign and fight back attacks on the President’s record before the Democratic National Convention this fall.

Truth Teams will be announced in swing states like Iowa, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina and Wisconsin, with events being held in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio and Virginia.

National supporters for the organization include the National Education Association, Service Employees International Union, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union and the United Steelworkers Union.