Summary of NPR's "Consider This" Episode: A Fact Checker Hangs Up His Pinocchios

Episode Title: A Fact Checker Hangs Up His Pinocchios
Release Date: July 31, 2025
Host: Mary Louise Kelly
Description: In this episode, NPR's Mary Louise Kelly delves into the pivotal role of fact-checking in modern journalism, spotlighting the departure of Glenn Kessler, the long-serving Fact Checker at The Washington Post. The discussion navigates the challenges faced by fact-checkers in an era dominated by misinformation and examines the broader implications for democracy and media integrity.

The Rise and Impact of the Washington Post Fact Checker

Introduction to the Pinocchio System

The episode opens with a reference to President Donald Trump's frequent use of the term "Pinocchio" to label falsehoods, highlighting his disdain for fact-checking. Mary Louise Kelly explains:

“Pinocchios are the rating system used by the Fact Checker at the Washington Post. The project launched in 2011, joining outfits like PolitiFact and Fact Check.org with a simple mission: Evaluate politicians' claims for truthfulness.”
(00:28)

The Pinocchio ratings range from four Pinocchios, indicating completely false statements, to the rare Geppetto check mark for accuracy. Over 14 years, the Fact Checker has meticulously debunked numerous dubious claims from both political spectrums.

Examples of Fact-Checked Claims

• Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act:
  Barack Obama’s promise regarding the ACA earned him four Pinocchios.

  “We will keep this promise to the American people. If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor, period.”
  (01:04)

• Mitt Romney’s 2012 Campaign Ad:
  Mitt Romney’s claims about job losses and China’s economic position received two Pinocchios.

  “Under Obama, we've lost over half a million manufacturing jobs. And for the first time, China is beating us. Seven times Obama could have stopped China's cheating. Seven times he refused.”
  (01:25)

The Trump Era: A Turning Point for Fact-Checking

Escalation of False Claims

Donald Trump's presidency marked a significant shift in the landscape of political discourse and fact-checking. Mary Louise Kelly notes:

“Trump made more than 630,000 false or misleading claims during his first term, according to an analysis by the Post's Fact Checker.”
(01:52)

Kessler reflects on this period:

“Before June 2015, politicians paid attention to fact checks. They would be shamed by the Pinocchios that I would award, and they tried to keep their claims tethered to the truth as much as you would expect a politician to do. But Trump really changed the dynamic, and he said many things that were false.”
(04:34)

The Challenge of Misinformation in Policy

Kessler emphasizes the difficulty in combating misinformation:

“The fact checks are intended to make people better informed about complex policies. The more complex the issue is, the more apt a politician is going to try to mislead it.”
(05:40)

He points out that falsehoods have begun to influence government policy, making the role of fact-checking even more critical, albeit challenging.

Glenn Kessler’s Departure: Implications for Fact-Checking

Final Reflections

Glenn Kessler, after a 27-year tenure, decided to leave The Washington Post. His final column underscored the growing challenges of fact-checking in an age rife with misinformation:

“In an era where false claims are the norm, it's much easier to ignore the fact checkers.”
(07:30)

Reasons for Leaving

Kessler discusses his departure:

“I didn't really fact check claims to change the behavior of politicians. They're going to do what they're going to do. The fact checking business, so to speak, is still very valuable and important.”
(05:40)

He had hoped for a successor to continue the Fact Checker role but found the Post unwilling to facilitate a smooth transition:

“They've left it open as to whether or not they will revive the Fact checker. I hope they do. It's an important part of the core of the Washington Post, which, as its motto says, democracy dies in the darkness.”
(06:38)

Concerns About the Future of Journalism

Kessler expresses concern over the diminishing newsroom at The Washington Post:

“It's very sad to see so many talented, experienced reporters and editors leave the newsroom, particularly some who are at the height of their careers who go to some of our competitors like the New York Times or the Atlantic.”
(09:00)

He critiques the broad buyout strategy implemented by the Post, fearing the loss of exceptional journalistic talent.

The Role of Ownership and Editorial Direction

Clarifying Editorial Independence

Addressing questions about potential censorship, Kessler affirms his autonomy:

“I had complete freedom. I had extraordinary freedom. And I should note very clearly that there's no indication that Jeff Bezos has ever interfered in any of the news side of the newspaper.”
(08:08)

However, he acknowledges that owners retain traditional prerogatives over editorial directions:

“If he wanted the editorial page to be libertarian or super conservative or super liberal. That's his decision.”
(08:45)

The Significance of Fact-Checking in Modern Democracy

Enduring Value Despite Challenges

Despite the hurdles, Kessler maintains that fact-checking remains a cornerstone of informed democracy:

“The fact checking business, so to speak, is still very valuable and important. … the main thing is that with the rise of Trump and the rise of social media, there are just so many false claims that it's kind of hard for people to sort out what's true or not.”
(06:21)

He underscores that even if fact-checkers can't alter politicians' behaviors directly, their role in educating the public is indispensable.

Conclusion

Mary Louise Kelly concludes the episode by expressing gratitude toward Glenn Kessler and reiterating the essential role of fact-checking in maintaining democratic integrity. The departure of a key figure like Kessler raises concerns about the future of rigorous fact-checking amidst a transforming media landscape.

Produced by: Alejandra Marques Hanse and Connor Donovan
Engineering by: Ted Mebane
Edited by: Tin Beat Ermias and Sami Yenigun
Executive Producer: Sammy Yenigun

This summary encapsulates the critical discussions from the episode, providing insights into the evolution of fact-checking, the challenges posed by political figures like Donald Trump, and the broader implications for journalism and democracy.