October 22, 2008

Fact Check: Did Obama only serve 300 days in the Senate before he became a candidate?

The Statement:
GOP vice-presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin, in an interview on CNN's "Situation Room" on Tuesday, October 21, questioned Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama's experience, saying he "served for his 300 days before he became a presidential candidate."

The Facts:
Palin was referring to Obama's career in the U.S. Senate. Maria Comella, Palin's spokeswoman, told CNN that from the time Obama was sworn in on January 3, 2005, to the announcement of his exploratory committee on January 16, 2007, the Senate was in session 304 days. The secretary of the U.S. Senate told CNN the numbers are correct. But lawmakers also work when the Senate is not in session. Obama served 743 days in the Senate from his swearing in to the announcement of his exploratory committee, the first official step when considering a run for the presidency. He served 768 days from the start of his career in the Senate to February 10, 2007, when he formally announced his candidacy for president. Palin served as governor of Alaska for 634 days before Republican nominee Sen. John McCain named her as his running mate. The Verdict: Misleading. Palin failed to give credit for Obama's work on days when the Senate was not meeting.

Get the Facts at McCain Fact Check