PI no. 3: Assertion-flagging: for less partisan, prejudiced blogging

Most political bloggers are motivated to fight what they see as bigotry, prejudice, and ill-informed, unjustifiable assertion. This is a fine and noble cause, because the spreading of false beliefs – without the evidence to support them – is bad for all of us, as is the displacement of informed argument by mere rhetoric. All the more so when the perpetrator is powerful or influential.

Sun’s false claim Ed M’s in the pocket of the unions

Ed Miliband’s leadership campaign may not have the money that his older brother David’s does, but he is sure that the support of 4,500 volunteers has made up for it. Figures released by the Electoral Commission today show that Ed’s fundraising last month overtook David’s by nearly £21,500.

Coulson strains Coalition

The Andy Coulson affair appears to be opening up divisions within the Coalition, albeit ones which have so far done no more than simmer beneath the surface. Several Liberal Democrats have let their negative opinion of the Cameron’s Head of Communications spill out into the public sphere.

Coulson scandal: Read all about it! Or maybe not…

Andy Coulson’s dark past has once again returned to haunt him. Following allegations earlier this year that Coulson encouraged phone-hacking during his time at the News of the World, David Cameron announced his belief that everyone should have a second chance.

More Mail manipulation over benefit fraud

Another day, another outraged Daily Mail ‘benefit scroungers’ story – one which, once again, is sensationalist, tells only half the story and features the obligatory quote from Tory work and pensions minister “Calamity” Chris Grayling.

Guardian buries Labour resurgence

Today’s ICM poll for the Guardian puts the Labour party on level terms with the Conservatives for the first time since October 2007. But as noted by UK Polling Report’s Anthony Wells, “the Guardian’s report concentrates upon the findings ontest