presidential-race Articles
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With a bombshell guilty verdict in former President Donald Trump’s New York trial, voter discussions emerged around preventing Trump from becoming the GOP nominee. Some prominent voices promoting this idea include:
Today's verdict is a fire-bell in the night. The Republican Party now has one last chance to change course, and not nominate a convicted felon for President.
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) May 30, 2024It is not easy to see a former President and the presumptive GOP nominee convicted of felony crimes; but the jury verdict should be respected. An appeal is in order but let’s not diminish the significance of this verdict.
— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) May 30, 2024There are also numerous other non-public social media profiles discuss installing previous primary candidates such as Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Vivek Ramaswamy.
MIG Reports analysis shows discussion of possibility of the Republican National Convention becoming a brokered convention or the Republican National Committee selecting a candidate other than Trump. Sentiment is primarily against the Democratic Party, with some comparing the party to a communist or socialist regime and voicing concerns that it is damaging the country.
Most voters express strong disagreement with the idea of the Republican National Committee choosing a different candidate. This suggests a strong loyalty to Trump among much of the Republican base. This potency of commitment suggests any decision to field an alternate candidate could result in substantial backlash or fracturing within the party.
There is also significant fear that the USA is turning into a "communist state," with people pointing out real or perceived similarities between the current Democratic Party strategies and historical actions of communist regimes. Some also mention a Republican Party which they fear harbors anti-Trump sentiment. Deviations from the Trump-led mainstream in the Republican party are also characterized as betrayals.
There are frequent mentions of the 2020 election being stolen and calls for direct action to "take America back." Voters repeatedly compare the current Democratic Party’s actions to the Nazi party under Adolf Hitler, particularly in relation to alleged suppression of free speech.
It is evident that emotions around this conversation are severe, with deep conviction among many inside and outside the GOP.
Swing States
Pro-Trump supporters are aggressive in their response, expressing deep loyalty to the former president and declaring their continued support. They portray Trump as a selfless patriot who risks his personal status and wealth for the sake of the American people. Their posts and hashtags, like #Trump2024, #MAGA, #MakeAmericaGreatAgain, suggest they see a future for Trump in leadership. They view any wrongdoing alleged against Trump as part of a witch hunt, orchestrated by liberal courts and the media, drawing on rhetoric used by Trump himself. They express disdain for Republican politicians who wish to distance themselves from Trump, accusing them of aligning with Democrats and having a secret agenda.
Supporters also voice concerns about the perceived erosion of American government and governance, accusing the state and its institutions of moving towards communism. For them, any attempt to sideline or convict Trump is seen as an attack on the American people's will and the constitution. Many suggest there will be a surge in Trump's popularity and predict backlash in upcoming elections.
Critics of Trump are pleased with the prospect of the Republican National Committee selecting an alternative candidate. They argue justice is being served with the charges against him. They do not sympathize with the narrative presented by his supporters, and instead, view Trump as a threat to democracy.
Despite the differences, there is a common narrative of the situation as a moment of crisis for the American republic - either through alleged political persecution and suppression or through the potential re-emergence of a figure they see as an ideological threat. Ultimately, the comments underscore the deep divides within the American political landscape.
03
Jun
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Social media, online, and news commentary exploded following former President Donald Trump’s guilty verdict on 34 felony counts in a New York court. Discussions reveal there is an overwhelming expression of anger, disbelief, and skepticism among the American people.
What Voters Are Saying
The most discussion activity appears to be among politically engaged adult Americans, with more representation from Trump's critics. This group celebrate the conviction and point out the irony of Trump's supporters attempting to impeach Biden when Trump himself was impeached twice during his presidency.
Trump supporters are vehement in their accusations of election tampering and a rigged jury. Many also double down on their belief that the 2020 election was rigged against Trump. This shows a consistent pattern of distrust and skepticism about the legal and electoral process.
Other markers of outrage emerge economically, as Trump’s campaign raised $34.8 million in 24 hours. The rush of support also caused the WinRed donation website to crash. The unprecedented donations were exclusively from small-dollar donations, which range from $1 - $200.
Vitriol Against the Biden Administration
Trump’s supporters are turning the conversation to discredit Biden and his administration. They mention Biden’s impeachment—or lack thereof—as a primary grievance. Many use harsh words and phrases like "Joe Biden must be impeached now," "treason," and "destroying our country."
These voters also accuse Biden and his government of numerous scandals, including criminal behavior. A recurring theme reveals disapproval of Biden's past actions, with some referring to allegations of Biden using racial slurs and promoting segregation during his time in Congress. This group is capitalizing on Trump's guilty verdict to further their negative sentiments about Biden.
- Support for Joe Biden took a significant hit after Trump’s conviction on Thursday as many Americans accuse Democrats of weaponizing the justice system.
Another dominant theme in conversations shows people agreeing that, even though Trump was found guilty, he is and will continue receiving massive waves of support. Many are hopeful the scandalous news will bring attention to the nation's current political and social climate.
The overall sentiment of these trends is highly polarized. While Trump's critics remain largely critical and scathing in their commentary, his supporters show a mixture of outrage at his treatment, disbelief, defiance, and hope for a political reversal. Despite the verdict, the polarized sentiments suggest Trump's influence on the political discourse remains strong.
01
Jun
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Robert De Niro recently gained attention for an angry screed against former President Donald Trump in New York City. His comments, which included insisting that if America re-elects Trump, he will never leave office, drew heckles and boos from passing New Yorkers.
DeNiro losing it as someone starts honking their car horn over and over as he tries to say voting for Biden is how we fix America pic.twitter.com/kTSfnvexCg
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) May 28, 2024De Niro then got into a yelling match with his hecklers, calling them gangsters. Video of the event online caused partisan discussion about Trump, De Niro, and celebrities using their influence for politics.
It’s embarrassing that even Vito Corleone AKA De Niro can’t win New Yorkers over.
— Patrick Bet-David (@patrickbetdavid) May 29, 2024
Great actor but a bitter grumpy old man.
pic.twitter.com/pz0heFLUnXRight Leaning and Cringe-Sensitive Americans React
Mentions of De Niro online are mostly partisan, with left leaning commenters supporting him and right leaning voters ridiculing him. There are also less politically inclined Americans who simply view De Niro’s speech as a cringeworthy display by another actor desperate for attention.
Many voters perceive De Niro’s claims that Trump has dictatorial tendencies as unfounded and fantastical. People mock De Niro’s accusations of Trump wanting to "take our country down the black hole of dictatorship" and terminate the U.S. Constitution.
People are also discussing his integrations with hecklers during the political event, but reactions are similarly politically slanted. Some mention De Niro as falling from grace, calling him a "has been" who struggles with anger and TDS (Trump derangement syndrome).
- Even with criticism from De Niro and his leftist counterparts, Trump’s approval remains steady with sentiment towards him on the topic of president consistently at 50%.
Liberal Trump Haters
Democratic voters and anti-Trumpers compare Trump unfavorably with Robert De Niro. They say De Niro, unlike Trump, paid his taxes and has contributed positively to New York City. They express a belief that Trump has played a role in deteriorating conditions in New York. They cite issues like rising crime and high taxes, criticizing Trump for his impact in exacerbating both.
Many liberals also agree with suggestions that Trump has demonstrated dictatorial tendencies. This seems to be a common belief among those who oppose Trump – and many view the gravity of the 2024 election as democracy hanging in the balance. This group regularly accuses Trump of intending to act like a dictator if he were to regain power.
Anti-Trumpers also raise concerns about his alleged intentions to punish political opponents. They frequently draw comparisons between him and historical dictators like Hitler. Some comment multiple times on these points.
Views of Celebrity Influence in Politics
De Niro, like many left leaning celebrities, is known for his outspoken political viewpoints. He frequently speaks up about the need for gun control and other Democratic platform issues like climate change.
The ongoing tendency for celebrities to insert themselves into political commentary is increasingly a point of annoyance for many Americans. Reactions often convey strong negative feelings towards woke culture and left-wing commentary imposed by entertainers and mainstream media.
Some also point out that, while Democrats and the left have long been seen as having more star power and cultural influence, trotting out celebrities like Robert De Niro and Mark Hamill whose popularity is waning, may a sign of decreasing cultural cachet.
General patterns of American views about celebrity political activism include:
- Partisan Responses: Some voters warmly embrace celebrity viewpoints if they align with their own political beliefs.
- Disregard for Celebrity Opinions: Most people seem to believe celebrities lack the requisite knowledge or expertise to offer valid commentary on complex political issues.
- Irrelevant Voices: People see celebrities as out-of-touch with the realities of ordinary citizens and therefore dismiss their perspectives as irrelevant.
- Annoyance: There is also hostility towards celebrities who use their fame to promote political agendas. This attitude is often expressed with strong negative language.
- Supporting Free Speech: Some express the belief that celebrities, like any other citizens, have the right to voice their political views, even if they disagree with these views.
- Conspiracy and Distrust: Other trends indicate a broader mistrust in mainstream media and celebrity clout. Many view celebrity commentary as part of a larger, orchestrated propaganda agenda.
31
May
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MIG Reports analyzed recent approval of Democratic voters toward President Joe Biden and their current views of the Democratic party. While some voters show support and approval of Biden's performance as president, many Democrats express disapproval or downright hostility towards Biden and his administration.
The main issues Democrats mention include:
- A potential Biden impeachment
- Border security
- Economic policy
- The Israel-Hamas war
- A perceived lack of transparency and honesty from his administration
There's a noticeable discontent with Biden's stance on border control, which some believe is leading to a crisis. Some Democratic voters accuse Biden of being supporting illegal immigrants more than U.S. citizens.
Economic concerns are also prominent, with frustrations centered on rising prices and perceived fiscal irresponsibility. Furthermore, there are negative sentiments about Biden's honesty and transparency, with many suggesting dealings involving his son, Hunter, were covered up.
MIG Reports has also extensively covered the growing divide among Democrats and progressives over Israel. Campus protests, “Uncommitted” votes, and defiance from his own party members like the progressive Squad indicate deep fractures within the party.
Despite significant negativity towards Biden, no other Democrat candidate is emerging as a preferable choice for voters. This suggests an increasing need for new leadership figures within the Democratic party. Voters calling for Biden's impeachment and using derogatory language suggest a significant division and hostility from some quarters.
Among the few supportive voices, there are mentions of Biden's perceived accomplishments and desire to challenge Republican hypocrisy. However, these views are noticeably outnumbered.
Overall, sentiment trends suggest dissatisfaction among many Democrats towards President Joe Biden for a variety of reasons. There is a possibility that AI-compiled data may be more likely to gather politically engaged or partisan viewpoints than those of average citizens. However, among vocal Democrats, the sentiments appear strong, indicating a likely similarity among less vocal party members.
31
May
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The second day of jury deliberations in former President Donald Trump’s trial in New York City brings the trial closer to an end. The case involves 34 charges of falsifying business records during the 2016 presidential election. Judge Juan Mercan has instructed the jury and, while they have yet to reach a verdict, Americans are watching the trial unfold with interest.
MIG Reports analysis studied recent online discussion and sentiment trends about the trial. Based on public posts, it seems many Americans – including legal experts – are struggling to gain a clear understanding of what the trial is about. State felony criminal charges of falsifying business records with respect to specific invoices, vouchers, and checks, on which the case pivots, are overly complex for many voters. None of the online discussion provides detailed explanations of these charges or the specifics of the case. Instead, conversation focuses on broader political narratives and accusations of corruption.
The lack of depth in discussion suggests people are less engaged with the actual content of the trial, and more reactive to media narratives about it. Most of the discussion around this trial revolves around three key points of contention.
Discussion Trends
Accusations of Corruption and Bias
Many voters mention their belief that the New York Trump trial is rife with corruption and political bias. For example, there are repeated references to perceived bias by Judge Juan Merchan. People believe he has been making unfair rulings and that he is acting corruptly. There are claims he is part of a wider conspiracy to politically prosecute Trump, with some suggesting the entire American justice system is now corrupted.
Trump's Guilt or Innocence
Two major narratives emerge with respect to Trump's guilt or innocence. Some are vehement that Trump is guilty, arguing the evidence is compelling. However, a large portion of observers suspect Trump is innocent, positioning him as the victim of a witch-hunt. The theme of Trump's innocence amid a corrupt system that is politically targeting him seems most prevalent.
Political Persecution
There are strong suggestions the trial is politically motivated and seeking to discredit or undermine Trump and the Republican Party. Those who discuss this believe Democrats have weaponized the justice system for their own purposes. They say Trump’s trial is a symptom of a broader social corruption and potentially threatening to any American citizen.
Sentiment Trends
Emotional Drivers
Many voters express anxiety and anger about perceived biases within the justice system. These individuals see Trump as being unjustly persecuted. They feel the charges brought against him are overly politicized.
Others voice disgust at what they perceive to be corruption within the judicial system. They assert that Judge Merchan and the prosecutors are not impartial and are engaging in egregious misconduct that should be investigated.
There is also anger and frustration from those who insist Trump is guilty of the charges brought against him. They express their faith and hope in the justice system along with their desire for a conviction.
Demographic Patterns
There are no specific geographic patterns, which suggests national interest in the case is relatively consistent. However, political alignment plays an important role. Those who support Trump — likely staunch Republicans and MAGA voters — demonstrate a high level of skepticism and discontent with the trial. Those who support the trial proceedings are likely to be Democrats or anti-Trump voters.
Sentiment Trends
Overall, most voters seem to lean more towards negative reactions fueled by fear of corruption, perceived bias, and lack of trust in the legal framework. Any positive sentiments are submerged in the negative discourse, but mostly revolve around faith in the justice system and the prospect of Trump's conviction.
30
May
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Amid former president Trump’s visit to the Libertarian National Convention and Chase Oliver’s subsequent nomination, discussions about Libertarian Party immigration platforms emerge.
Libertarian policies, which emphasize open borders and free movement across countries, get mixed reception from both conservative and libertarian voters. Conservatives are quick to point out immigration as a point of deep disagreement between themselves and libertarians – typically overlapping ideologically on other issues.
Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver’s immigration platform.
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) May 28, 2024
- Mass amnesty for millions in the U.S. illegally
- Path to citizenship for DACA
- Ellis Island style mass processing
- Expansion of H-1B work visas
Not a word about border security. https://t.co/gYRZobK98EMany conservatives on X are pointing out that Oliver’s Libertarian platform aligns more closely with Biden’s open borders. This has also sparked discussions about how broadly aligned Republicans, and even Trump himself, are with Libertarians.
Libertarians and Immigration
Libertarians, true to their philosophical principles, usually advocate for less government intervention across the board. This includes freer migration policies influenced by a belief in the free market and individual rights – or more simply, open borders. They often view ideas like a border wall as an imprudent use of tax dollars. They say government intervention at the border is contrary to their overall philosophy.
This group also argues free labor movement is beneficial to the economy and individual liberty, rather than hurtful to American sovereignty. However, not all libertarians agree with this perspective. Some express skepticism about completely open borders, particularly in terms of security and preserving the nation's cultural and social fabric.
Many voters view Chase Oliver’s platform as advocating open borders based on freedom and prosperity. Some Libertarians envision a world where people are free to move and seek opportunities anywhere in the world. They often highlight the historic role immigrants played in fueling American innovation and economic growth. They assert fears of economic and cultural displacement are both misplaced and overstated.
Conservative Views of Libertarian Borders
Right leaning and conservative voters, especially under the current administration, widely disagree with Libertarian immigration policies. They tend to view border security and stopping migrant entries into the U.S. as extremely important.
Conservatives are more likely to support building a wall and deporting illegal immigrants. This view is underpinned by their emphasis on national security and protecting jobs and resources. This group also attributes illegal immigration as a major contributor to issues like crime and economic hardship.
Republicans and conservatives regularly cite border security, economic impact, rule of law, and national identity as top issues. They sometimes accuse the Libertarian Party of supporting lawlessness by advocating for open borders. They are also more likely to criticize Libertarians for having minimal support and political impact.
Some point to polling reports by outlets like Axios and Reuters/Ipsos identifying more than 50% of Americans – including Democrats – support mass deportations.
56% of US registered voters support deporting most or all immigrants living in the country illegally, Reuters/Ipsos poll has found.
— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) May 29, 2024Trump at the Libertarian National Convention
Donald Trump’s comments at the Libertarian National Convention also sparked discussion about the impact of the party. MAGA and conservatives who attended or viewed Trump’s remarks largely embraced what he said.
Trump supporters view his American-first immigration policies as safeguarding American values, jobs, and security. Despite the policy disagreements with Libertarians, they saw Trump's willingness to engage Libertarians as a true reflection of his assertive leadership style and an attempt to create unity on the right.
As for Trump himself, amid taunts and jeers from the crowd, he told Libertarians, "Maybe you don't want to win,” adding, “Keep getting your 3% every four years,” roasting the unruly audience.
Some argue Trump’s comments are accurate – especially with Libertarian policies like open borders becoming increasingly unpopular.
Trump just showed up to the Libertarian Party Convention, told libertarians "Maybe you don't want to win ... keep getting your 3 percent every four years,” then left.
— BowTiedRanger (@BowTiedRanger) May 26, 2024
Total Chad move.
pic.twitter.com/GxztfQ0V0230
May
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New York Rep. Elise Stefanik filed a complaint calling for a conflict-of-interest investigation of Judge Merchan. She cites potential bias in Merchan’s history as a Democrat donor and his daughter’s financial interests.
Many who agree with Stefanik argue the judge's conduct clearly favors the prosecution and he has shown the appearance of prejudging the case before all the evidence was heard. Legal experts from across the political spectrum allege biases which put the fairness of the trial in question.
🚨🚨🚨 I just filed an official misconduct complaint with the New York State Unified Court System related to the “random” assignment of Acting Manhattan Justice Juan Merchan, a Biden donor whose daughter is fundraising millions off his unprecedented work, to criminal cases… pic.twitter.com/OsBjFc3qeI
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) May 28, 2024Concerns Over Merchan’s Bias
Many observers, although conservatives are most vocal, express concern over payments made to Loren Merchan, Judge Merchan’s daughter. There are allegations she has received significant amounts of money from prominent Democrats.
Critics argue these monetary transactions indicate a potential bias on the part of Judge Merchan, suggesting he may not be capable of conducting a fair trial. Others argue Merchan’s daughter is likely to financially profit in the case of a Trump conviction. This, they say, is an issue – even if it’s only a perception of compromised incentives.
Democrats tend to argue that Merchan has maintained a neutral stance in the trial. They view him as fair, despite the politically charged nature of the case. They argue Merchan's conduct upholds the integrity of the judicial process and emphasizes that the law should be applied equally to all.
Legal experts on the left insist Judge Merchan's conduct is consistent with judicial norms and ethical standards. This view is starkly and vehemently opposed by experts who present the irregularities of Merchan’s rulings as highly alarming and outside of acceptable judicial practice.
Those who support Stefanik’s misconduct filing call for more complaints against the judge. They express frustration at what they perceive as inaction by Republicans to fight against lawfare by Democrats.
- Sentiment towards Donald Trump is similar overall to topics specifically mentioning his legal troubles. This may suggest most voters are not deeply swayed by the cases against him.
Liberal Hysterics Against Republicans
Mainstream opinions on Elise Stefanik's ethics complaint against Judge Juan Merchan appear to be overwhelmingly negative. This is especially true among liberal Democrats and mainstream media figures.
Liberals accuse Stefanik of prioritizing the interests of former President Trump over the needs of the American people. They view Stefanik's ethics complaint as an extension of her loyalty to Trump rather than as a duty to uphold law and order. Democrats who hope for a Trump conviction use phrases like “hypocrite” and “treacherous” against Stefanik and other Republicans.
There are reverse accusations that Stefanik and Republicans are the ones using lawfare to achieve their political ends. Some bring up Trump and others’ failure to comply with subpoenas as a broader disregard for the rule of law. They use this as an argument against the supposed “law and order” ethos of the Republican Party.
Democrats argue Stefanik is attempting to thwart the legal process, deflecting from accusations against Judge Merchan and other figures who are perceived to be politicized like Letitia James, Engoron, and Fani Willis.
- Despite widespread liberal criticism, Stefanik’s national approval has remained steady, even increasing by one point after filing her ethics complaint.
30
May
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President Joe Biden's recurring public speaking and teleprompter gaffes have become a deep concern or even a meme for many Americans. These missteps, which include false statements, jumbled or wrong words, pauses, and sometimes confusion, fuel debates about his cognitive abilities. They also lead many to question his leadership capability and overall fitness for office.
Voter reactions to his continual public appearance incidents, which is influenced by social media and the mainstream media are mostly partisan. Biden’s speaking performance is frequently compared to former President Donald Trump’s more spontaneous style. While Trump’s rhetoric is often polarizing, his ability to ad-lib and engage crowds contrasts sharply with Biden’s reliance on prepared speeches and, as MIG Reports previously analyzed – prepared questions.
This dichotomy fuels narratives on both sides: conservatives highlight Biden’s fumbles as a sign of weakness, while liberals emphasize Trump’s unpredictability and controversial remarks as dangerous to democracy.
Social media platforms play a crucial role in amplifying Biden's gaffes. Clips of his verbal mistakes often go viral, reaching a broad audience and fueling discussions about his fitness for office.
Two of his most recent fumbles include:
- Calling January 6 protesters “erectionists” instead of what he presumably meant: “insurrectionists.”
- Reading from the teleprompter but including notes which aren’t meat to be spoken – in this case, “last name,” referring to his theology professor.
BIDEN: "Erectionists" 😬😬😬 pic.twitter.com/f1pS86zx7t
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 20, 2024BIDEN's teleprompter troubles continue 🤦🏽♂️
— Raj Aryal (@rajaryal07) May 8, 2024
"My theology professor at the Catholic school I went to was a guy named Riley [LAST NAME]..." pic.twitter.com/YkdwO44AVNLast week’s public mistakes are not the first of their kind. In April, Biden also read “pause” off the teleprompter instead of pausing his speech for audience participation. That incident also generated significant reactions from people online, criticizing Biden and his presumable handlers who allow these recurring embarrassing gaffes.
BIDEN, reading from his teleprompter: "Four more years? Pause?"
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) April 24, 2024
It's all completely staged. pic.twitter.com/vqkIt0SSTFVoter Reactions Online
Some of the of the commentary online voices concern, but much of it also uses the president as a source of humor. Some of the jokes made at his expense include:
- "Biden’s teleprompter operator must have the hardest job in the world. They deserve a medal for bravery."
- “Biden just said 'America is a nation that can be defined in a single word: Asufutimaehaehfutbw.' I think he just invented a new language!"
- "Every time Biden speaks, it's like watching a toddler trying to explain quantum physics. Entertaining but confusing."
- "Biden: 'We have put together, I think, the most extensive and inclusive voter fraud organization in the history of American politics.' Did he just admit to something?"
- "Biden: 'I got hairy legs that turn blonde in the sun.' The man just gave us a free ticket to the weirdest carnival ride ever."
- "Biden’s latest gaffe: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident. All men and women created by the... you know, the thing.’ Clearly, he’s on a first-name basis with the Declaration of Independence."
- "Biden: 'I keep forgetting I'm president.' Well Joe, sometimes we do too. Thanks for the reminder!"
Although Democratic voters and political pundits who support the president are reluctant to talk about his clear cognitive limitations, it seems most Americans recognize he is not in top form. Approval ratings continue to slide and MIG Reports data shows that, even on good days, Biden cannot seem to break a neutral sentiment nationally, hovering in the low 40% range.
Leftist Comedians Subvert the Punchline
There is also a notable trend among some celebrities and public figures who dismiss concerns about Biden's gaffes and fitness for office as irrelevant or overblown. This dismissive attitude is alarming to many voters who cannot ignore his slip-ups.
Pro-Biden media personalities and celebrities actively work to reframe these gaffes, often deflecting punchlines or reframing the context to mitigate negative impact. For example, they often juxtapose Biden's gaffes with Trump's controversial statements and supporters imply Biden's mistakes are benign.
Regarding Biden’s “erectionists” comment, most of the left leaning comedians online tweeted similar jokes, shifting the punchline. Instead of roasting Biden for his error, most of them reframed their jokes as a critique of the January 6 protesters themselves.
- The Daily Show: "Biden said 'erectionists' instead of 'insurrectionists.' At least someone’s standing up for democracy."
- Seth Meyers: "Biden called them 'erectionists.' Well, I guess they did rise to the occasion."
- Sarah Silverman: "Biden called them 'erectionists.' Finally, a political scandal with some stiff competition."
- Stephen Colbert: "Biden called insurrectionists ‘erectionists.’ You know, it’s nice to see someone in politics with a sense of humor about their gaffes."
- Jimmy Fallon: "Biden’s 'erectionists' comment has people laughing. I guess he wanted to point out that they were really standing up for Trump."
- Trevor Noah: "Biden’s 'erectionists' slip is just another reminder: always proofread your speeches, folks. Or you might end up in a very awkward position."
- Conan O’Brien: "Biden called them 'erectionists.' Guess we know who’s really rising to the occasion of American politics."
- Samantha Bee: "Biden calling them 'erectionists' was a slip of the tongue, but let’s be honest, it’s probably the nicest thing anyone’s said about them."
Most People Are Critical of Biden’s Performance
Unlike the media and celebrities, average Americans often highlight Biden's gaffes as evidence of cognitive decline or incompetence. They argue his frequent mistakes indicate a lack of mental acuity necessary for the role of President. These fumbles often work to undermine his credibility and weaken his public image both domestically and on the international stage.
Critics argue Biden's frequent gaffes alone make him unfit for the presidency, regardless of their stance on his policies. Terms like "incompetent" and "the worst president in our history" are frequently used in these discussions.
There is a prevalent belief among more conservative voters that Biden is merely a puppet controlled by others in his administration. This perspective is often coupled with accusations that his regular confusion exposes the extent to which he is being manipulated.
Election Impact
For undecided or swing voters, repeated public appearance disasters may reinforce a perception of weakness or incapacity. This has the potential to sway their votes towards Trump if he is perceived as more robust and competent.
Media coverage and viral social media posts of gaffes could erode trust in Biden's ability to handle the responsibilities of the presidency. This could also lead to decreased voter confidence and turnout, even within his base.
Voters who prioritize policy or party outcomes over personal traits may overlook Biden's deteriorating state if it means they can avoid a second Trump term. In a head-to-head election, Biden's performance will likely be contrasted with Trump’s speaking abilities. If, in scheduled upcoming debates, Trump performs well, seeming articulate and mentally sharp, it could be a severe disadvantage for Biden.
28
May
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Bronx Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a member of the progressive "Squad," recently tweeted about rain before a Trump rally in her district saying, “God is good,” in response to suggestions there would be a “muddy mess” for the rally. This received a predominantly critical response from voters, particularly those identifying with the MAGA movement.
God is Good 🙏🏽 https://t.co/YUUCPhZ4oJ
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 23, 2024Many responses to AOC’s tweet emphasized the notion that the Bronx, traditionally a Democratic stronghold, has now turned into "MAGA country." This sentiment was frequently repeated and expressed with a sense of triumph, suggesting a belief in a growing support for Trump and a shift away from Democratic dominance in the area.
Accusations of Hypocrisy and Meltdown
Some accused Ocasio-Cortez of having a "liberal meltdown" and being unable to accept that the Bronx could support Trump. These comments often included a tone of ridicule and mockery, suggesting her reaction was indicative of broader liberal discontent and denial.
Religious Undertones
Others took issue with Ocasio-Cortez invoking God, arguing as a self-identified socialist or communist, she should not be using religious references. Some comments directly accused her of using God’s name in vain or being insincere about her beliefs.
Criticism of Democratic Policies
Several responses linked their support for Trump to dissatisfaction with liberal policies, both at a local and national level. They blamed these policies for various social and economic issues and expressed a desire for change, which they believe Trump represents.
Personal Attacks and Accusations
A portion of the comments included personal attacks on AOC, calling her a communist, a hypocrite, and questioning her authenticity and background. These responses often conflated broader political ideologies with personal character judgments.
Celebration of Rally Success
There was a strong emphasis on Trump rally turnout, with claims of thousands attending, despite the rain. This was used to further argue support for Trump is strong and growing, even in areas presumed to favor Democrats.
Expressions of Solidarity and Celebration
Many responses included celebratory language and emojis, expressing joy over what they perceived as a political victory. Phrases like “liberal tears” and “God is good” were used to underscore their satisfaction with the event and its implications.
Accusations of Violence and Incitement
A few responses went as far as accusing AOC of inciting violence, referencing past events and suggesting her comments could lead to unrest. This reflects a deeper animosity and distrust toward her and her political actions.
28
May