Fact Checking the Debate

The GOP candidates took some liberties when discussing jobs, Social Security, immigration, health care and other issues during the presidential debate at the Ronald Reagan Library:

*Perry exaggerated when he called Social Security a "Ponzi scheme" that won't be there for "kids that are 25 or 30 years old today." Social Security's finances -- while troubled -- are an open book, not an investment scam, and the program could still support 74 percent of promised benefits in 2085.

*Romney misrepresented Perry's position on Social Security, suggesting the Texas governor advocated "abolishing" it in his book. Perry's book criticized Social Security without proposing any changes to it.

*Romney misleadingly claimed that the Massachusetts health care overhaul affected just 8 percent of the state's residents, while the federal law will affect "100 percent of the people." But both plans require nearly everyone to have insurance or pay a penalty.

*Perry claimed Obama was poorly informed or an "abject liar" on the subject of public safety along the U.S.-Mexico border. But Perry misrepresented what Obama actually said, which was accurate; overall, crime rates in border towns have in fact declined.

*Bachmann said gasoline was just $1.79 a gallon when Obama became president, suggesting he is to blame for the current high prices. But gasoline prices -- which are set by world markets -- were higher under Republican President George W. Bush just months before Obama took office.