In the English language we have several different moods a verb can convey two critical moods are subjunctive and indicative. It is important that you understand what those two moods reflect on the factual nature of a statement. A subjunctive mood implies a contingent or hypothetical nature for the statement. For example the statement, “I might have said that,” implies uncertainty and is very non-commital. Indicative is very fact based and attempts to state things with a definite feeling. This doesn’t make the sentence true by itself but it does convey some sense of certainty. You might here someone say, “I didn’t say that,” and give a feeling that the statement was not correctly quoted.

Now, why do I care about grammar? Greek class for one, but also because the politicians are heaping great amounts of trash onto the bonfire of American politics trying to use smoke and jeerers to position themselves higher in innacurate polls and public opinion. What I’d suggest, other than attempting to actually listen, even if it’s to the party you don’t favor, is that you diagram sentences, analyze what is being said/spewed and listen for words that are indicative or subjunctive. Not only will this help you here and now with the upcoming election, but if you get selected for a jury you’ll be extra cool and you can wow the other jurors with your slick hair and grammatical pontifications.