Common Cause – Bias and Credibility

These media sources have a slight to moderate liberal bias.  They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes) to favor liberal causes.  These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.

• Overall, we rate Common Cause Left-Center Biased based on advocacy for positions favored by the left. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to a clean fact-check record.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA|
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rank: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

Common Cause is a watchdog group based in Washington, D.C., with chapters in 35 states. It was founded in 1970 by John W. Gardner, a Republican who was the former Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in the administration of President Lyndon Johnson and chair of the National Urban Coalition, an advocacy group for minorities and the working poor in urban areas. As initially founded, Common Cause was prominently known for its efforts to end the Vietnam War and lower the voting age from 21 to 18. Sometimes identified as liberal-leaning, Common Cause has also been identified as nonpartisan and advocates government reform.

Read our profile on the United States government and media.

Funded by / Ownership

The group is organized as a 501(c)(4) organization, and its sister organization, the Common Cause Educational Fund, is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations fund Common Cause. They fully disclose donors on tax forms.

Analysis / Bias

In review, Common Cause’s primary issues today are ending gerrymandering, having publicly financed elections and an end to Citizens United, a national popular vote, and equal rights for all citizens. The information found on Common Cause is factually sourced from credible sources, and minimal loaded words are used. Due to being factual and neutral in wording, we rate this source left-center biased despite having a clear left-wing political affiliation bias.

Failed Fact Checks

• None in the Last 5 years

Overall, we rate Common Cause Left-Center Biased based on advocacy for positions favored by the left. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to a clean fact-check record. (D. Van Zandt 8/7/2017) Updated (02/09/2024)

Source: https://www.commoncause.org