If you want to understand what’s really going on in America right now with any number of thorny issues, a presidential debate — and most moments of a presidential campaign — might be the worst place to start.
Debates are notorious for being a place for candidates to misrepresent, spin, and flat-out lie to cast their records and their plans in the best possible light. And fact-checking, while valuable, doesn’t always give a complete picture.
As the presidential election gets underway in earnest, Vox’s Facts on the Ground project is here to help you understand the state of the country on some of the most contested policy areas, including the economy, crime, abortion and immigration. Amid the noise, our reporters are here to ground you with expertise and perspective.
–Libby Nelson, editorial director of Policy, Politics and Ideas
What two years without Roe looks like, in 8 charts
Americans are facing a whole new reality after patchwork abortion access Dobbs the decision
By Nicole Naria
Why do Americans always think crime is increasing?
Crime is actually going down. Here are three theories why it might not convince voters.
By Abdullah Fayad
The winners and losers of the Biden economy
Young activists have done well under Biden. No fast food craze.
By Eric Levitz
Biden’s border record: Trump’s claims vs. reality
Border trends during Biden’s presidency and how his policies played into them, explained.
By Andrew Prokop
Credit
Editorial Director:Libby Nelson
Reporter:Abdallah Fayyad, Eric Levitz, Nicole Narea, Christian Paz, Andrew Prokop
Editor: Sean Collins, Caroline Huck, Lavanya Ramanathan, Patrick Reiss
Art Director:Paige Vickers
Managing Editor, Audio and Video:Natalie Jennings
Hearing:Amina Al-Saadi, Laura Bullard, Rob Byers, Victoria Chamberlin, David Harman, Miranda Kennedy, Noel King, Andrea Kristinsdottir, Amanda Llewellyn, Sean Rameswaram
Style and Value:Elizabeth Crane, Kim Eggleston, Melissa Hirsch, Katy Penzeimug, Sarah Schweppe
Audience Leads:The veins are swollen| Audience: Kelsey Trinidad
Special thanks to:Bill Carey, Nisha Chittal, Swati Sharma