Wash. Times repeats McCain campaign's false assertion that Obama "oppos[es] ... tax cuts for small businesses."

Summary: The Washington Times uncritically repeated the McCain campaign's false claim that Sen. Barack Obama "oppos[es] ... tax cuts for small businesses." In fact, Obama supports tax cuts for small businesses, including "eliminat[ing] capital gains taxes for small businesses" and "provid[ing] a refundable credit of up to 50 percent on [health care] premiums paid by small businesses on behalf of their employees."

In an August 19 Washington Times article, reporter S.A. Miller uncritically repeated the McCain campaign's false claim that Sen. Barack Obama "oppos[es] ... tax cuts for small businesses." In fact, Obama supports tax cuts for small businesses.

According to his website, Obama proposes to "eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses." Obama has also proposed a Small Business Health Tax Credit that "will provide a refundable credit of up to 50 percent on premiums paid by small businesses on behalf of their employees," as well as a rural small business initiative that would "provide a 20 percent tax credit on up to $50,000 of investment in small owner-operated businesses."

Obama's website also states: "Obama will also support small business owners by providing a $500 'Making Work Pay' tax credit to almost every worker in America. Self-employed small business owners pay both the employee and the employer side of the payroll tax, and this measure will reduce the burdens of this double taxation."

From the August 19 Washington Times article:

The McCain campaign said it had a strong volunteer organization and was "working for every vote" in Georgia. It also said it was confident the state would remain in the Republican column, especially once voters learn of Mr. Obama's liberal views, including his opposition to offshore oil drilling and tax cuts for small businesses.

—T.A.