Mackinac Center for Public Policy – Bias and Credibility

These media sources are slightly to moderately conservative in bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes) to favor conservative causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Right-Center sources.

• Overall, we rate the Mackinac Center for Public Policy Right-Center biased based on editorial positions that strongly favor free-market Libertarianism. We also rate them as Mostly Factual in reporting rather than High due to a lack of transparency with funding, a failed fact check, and somewhat misleading positions regarding climate change.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL
Country: USA
Press Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY

History

Founded in 1987, The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is an American non-profit Libertarian-leaning free-market think tank headquartered in Midland, Michigan. It is the largest state-based free-market think tank in the United States. The current Chairman is Clifford Taylor.

Read our profile on the United States government and media.

Funded by / Ownership

The Mackinac Center is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. According to their about page, the Mackinac Center “neither seeks nor accepts any government funding. It enjoys the support of foundations, individuals, and businesses who share a concern for Michigan’s future and recognize the important role of free markets and economic liberty.” However, it lacks transparency by not listing top donors. Some known donors are Dow Chemical, Cornerstone Foundation, and the Charles G. Koch Foundation.

Analysis / Bias

In review, the Mackinac Center publishes an agenda that includes Protecting Taxpayers and Entrepreneurs, Revitalizing Healthcare for Patients and Providers, Removing Government Barriers to Prosperity. In the simplest terms, they advocate for limited government and free-market capitalism. The website also features a blog that aligns with a libertarian agenda such as this: The Safety Net Already There: Unemployment Insurance. This story is properly sourced to the Department of Labor.

Editorially, the Mackinac Center is not critical of President Trump, but they do encourage him to follow a free-market model such as this: Mackinac Center Joins Nationwide Free Market Coalition Letter. When it comes to science, Mackinac does not deny the human influence on climate change; however, they do question the severity of models and suggest free-market solutions, which does not entirely align with the consensus. In general, reporting is mostly factual and with a strong libertarian bias.

Failed Fact Checks

• Employees in “workplace freedom” states make more money – Mostly False

Overall, we rate the Mackinac Center for Public Policy Right-Center biased based on editorial positions that strongly favor free-market Libertarianism. We also rate them as Mostly Factual in reporting rather than High due to a lack of transparency with funding, a failed fact check, and somewhat misleading positions regarding climate change. (D. Van Zandt 7/16/2016) Updated (03/17/2023)

Source: https://www.mackinac.org/