Two controversial reversals in Snopes fact-checks are causing online discussion and controversy. Debates over Donald Trump's infamous "very fine people" comment and Ashley Biden's diary are fervent.

Snopes, a left-leaning fact checking website, reversed its previous fact-check that Donald Trump called neo-Nazis “very fine people” after the Charlottesville protests of 2017. In April, Snopes also reversed a fact check about whether the contents of Ashley Biden’s diary were confirmed, changing its rating from "Unproven" to "True."

These reversals are stirring public sentiment and cast a spotlight on broader issues of media trust and political bias – both of which look to have influence on voting trends in the 2024 election.

Very Fine People Hoax

The media’s continual characterization of Trump’s "very fine people" comment has long been contentious. President Joe Biden, in 2019, launched his campaign citing this now-debunked claim that Trump called neo-Nazis fine people.

Many Americans feel Snopes’s revisions validate their previously held beliefs either about mainstream media's unfair portrayal of Trump or its broader role in pushing political narratives.

Among Trump's supporters, there is a palpable sense of vindication. They argue Snopes admitting Trump’s comments were mischaracterized demonstrates how media and fact-checker spin has fueled a biased narrative against the former president and other conservatives.

This skepticism toward media is fueling a deeper mistrust of news and fact checking outlets. It also seems to encourage voters’ growing resolve to support Trump more fervently in the upcoming election. Trump's base, which includes a substantial portion of rural and working-class voters, is therefore likely to remain steadfast or grow.

Critics of Trump view the Snopes revision as problematic. They contend that, while the retraction might be technically accurate, it could be weaponized to downplay the serious implications of Trump's rhetoric.

Anti-Trump voters fear such reversals may perpetuate a dangerous narrative and embolden extremist views. This skepticism towards media corrections could boost voter turnout among those who oppose Trump, particularly in urban and suburban areas where such views are more prevalent.

Ashley Biden’s Diary

Regarding Ashley Biden's diary, the Snopes reversal regarding it authenticity and content have further deepened partisan divides. Right-leaning Americans suggest the original fact-check of the diary was another among many attempts to shield the Biden family from scrutiny.

Biden critics argue this reversal exposes a concerted effort within the media to protect Biden. The reversal also reinforces their belief in a biased media that unfairly attacks conservative figures while ignoring liberal misdeeds. This perception bolsters support for Trump and could attract more undecided or moderate voters who are increasingly skeptical of media integrity.

Conversely, left-leaning voters and Biden supporters are disheartened by Snopes's reversals. They interpret these actions as caving to pressure and contributing to the spread of misinformation. Many believe such admissions could have a demoralizing effect, potentially dissuading some voters from participating in the election due to a feeling of disillusionment with the political process and media landscape.

However, there's also a counter-effect among those who perceive these reversals as hair-splitting. These exhausted voters may be energized to fight against what they see as manipulation and misinformation.