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Did the stimulus cost more than the Iraq War?

By Lukas Pleva
August 26, 2010
By Martha M. Hamilton
August 26, 2010

Washington Examiner editorial page editor Mark Tapscott warned readers Aug. 23, 2010, to expect to hear a lot from Democrats about the cost of the Iraq War. It might be expensive, he said, but not as expensive as President Barack Obama”s economic stimulus.

Citing data from conservative writer Randall Hoven, Tapscott said, “Obama”s stimulus, passed in his first month in office, will cost more than the entire Iraq War — more than $100 billion more.”

Really? Could the nearly seven-year-long war cost less than the 2009 stimulus, which was designed to keep the U.S. economy from sliding into a depression?

We put his claim to the Truth-O-Meter.

Our Sources

See Truth-O-Meter item.

Browse the Truth-O-Meter

More by Lukas Pleva
Michael Bennet
stated on August 25, 2010 in a campaign ad:
“Buck wants to privatize Social Security.”  
Half-True
Blanche Lincoln
stated on August 19, 2010 in a TV ad:
John Boozman supports “privatizing Social Security”
Mostly False
Barack Obama
stated on August 18, 2010 in a response to a question during an appearance in Columbus, Ohio.:
Republicans “don’t think it’s a good idea” to make the child care tax credit “stronger.”
Mostly False
Mark Tapscott
stated on August 23, 2010 in an opinion column in "The Washington Examiner":
“Obama’s stimulus, passed in his first month in office, will cost more than the entire Iraq War.”
Mostly False
Alan Grayson
stated on August 18, 2010 in MSNBC's "The Ed Show.":
The United States is “50th in life expectancy” in the world.
Mostly True
Harry Reid
stated on August 23, 2010 in his Senate re-election campaign effort. :
On birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants.  
Full Flop
Tamara Holder
stated on August 18, 2010 in comments on the Hannity show.:
“The Republicans have 2 percent of the Muslim vote.”
Mostly True
Tim Kaine
stated on August 15, 2010 in a segment of CBS' ''Face The Nation.'':
Republicans tried to block the deficit commission.
Half-True
J.D. Hayworth
stated on August 5, 2010 in a TV ad against John McCain:
McCain opposed the border fence.
False
Holly Benson
stated on July 31, 2010 in a candidates' debate:
“Florida is now the No. 1 state in the country for automobile accident fraud.”
Mostly True

Did the stimulus cost more than the Iraq War?





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