On October 13, The Dispatch published a fact-check of a viral post from Women Speak Out PAC related to Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and abortion. The fact-check was published in error and in draft form, before it had been through final edits and our own internal fact-checking process. As a result, the viral post was assigned a “partly false” rating that we have determined is not justified after completing The Dispatch fact-checking process. We regret the error and apologize to the Women Speak Out PAC. We’ve pulled the fact-check and lifted the rating.
The mere existence of a fact-checking program at The Dispatch means that we take seriously facts and accuracy. We have a responsibility not only to meet but to exceed the standards to which we hold others. That didn’t happen in this case.
It’s important to note that the error is not the fault of the fact-checker on the piece, Khaya Himmelman. The error came in the editing process. I run that process. It’s my responsibility.
Please note that we at The Dispatch hold ourselves, our work, and our commenters to a higher standard than other places on the internet. We welcome comments that foster genuine debate or discussion—including comments critical of us or our work—but responses that include ad hominem attacks on fellow Dispatch members or are intended to stoke fear and anger may be moderated.