The claim
The fastest way to improve a political judgment is often to improve the record you are looking at.
The evidence
Use the original source first, then add records that can confirm, narrow, or contradict the claim.
The missing link
The missing link is the part the first telling leaves out: context, chronology, incentives, or the strongest counterevidence.
The verdict
Do not demand perfect certainty before thinking. Demand enough context to know what you are actually deciding.