Methodology v7
How the Bluff & Spin Index works
Bluff & Spin Index: how well claims hold up, and how often questions get a straight answer. 0 to 100. Lower is better. 0 means every checked claim held up and every question got a straight answer; the more bluff and spin, the higher the number.
We apply an existing public standard. The UK's Seven Principles of Public Life (the Nolan Principles) were set by the Committee on Standards in Public Life in 1995. They apply to everyone who holds public office.
1SelflessnessNot scored
2IntegrityNot scored
3ObjectivityNot scored
4AccountabilityAnswers questions
5OpennessAnswers questions; Substance shown alongside
6HonestyAccuracy; Consistency shown alongside
7LeadershipNot scored
We measure three of the seven. The other four depend on motives, decisions and conduct outside public statements, so we do not score them. For US politicians, we apply the same three principles.