government Articles
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On Good Friday, the Biden White House announced its plan to honor “Transgender Day of Visibility,” celebrating, “The extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans.” The announcement also proclaimed the day would fall on Easter Sunday, a move which many conservative Christians perceived as an affront to religious norms in America.
Many saw the announcement as an example of "wokeness" or progressive agendas gone awry. They argue overlapping a clearly political observance with important Christian holiday is an inappropriate politicization of religious tradition. Many also accused the administration of intentionally trying to bait Christians into outrage by disrespecting Easter.
Thinly Veiled Hostility Toward American Christians
Traditional Christians voiced strong opposition to Trans Visibility as an affront to their religious traditions and a challenge to the biological realities of gender. They argue the Biden administration is prioritizing secular, progressive values and gender ideology over Christian ones. Many Americans view the Transgender Day of Visibility, along with “Pride” month in June and “Transgender Day of Remembrance” in November, as an intentional way to disrupt traditional moral norms and the sanctity of family life.
Conservatives argue the administration’s choice to make a big deal of the day is purely part of a political agenda. They see government recognition as political encroachment of secular values upon their religious freedoms. This group feels the White House promoting progressive values and ignoring or suppressing Christian values indicates a certain hostility to American Christians.
- Over Easter weekend, discussion about “transgender rights” with mentions of Joe Biden spiked significantly to 1,200 from a normal baseline of almost zero.
- Sentiment toward Joe Biden regarding trans and LGBTQ issues remained steady.
- Sentiment toward Biden regarding religious issues dipped to 45% in the last week, recovering to 54% on Easter Sunday.
Many conservative and religious groups objected to the timing of Biden’s proclamation. They asserted it was a deliberate attempt to overshadow the significance of Easter. They believe the administration is prioritizing political correctness over religious traditions. Some even suggested the move was intended to further polarize the country, exacerbating the divide between traditional religious people and secular, progressive activists.
Evangelical Christians seem to be among the most vocal group to take offense. Many of them perceive this event as a slight or even a direct attack against their faith, questioning the "blasphemy" of the proclaimed Catholic Joe Biden.
Accusations of Political Pandering
Some also view Biden’s proclamation as a strategic attempt to pander to progressive and LGBTQ voters. These commenters claim the Biden administration is attempting to solidify its base among liberal and younger demographics who are more likely to support LGBTQ+ rights.
There are claims the timing of Biden’s announcement isn’t politically motivated as it likely alienates moderate and conservative voters who are uncomfortable with the juxtaposition of a religious holiday and a political statement. However, others insist this alienation is intentional and an attempt to force traditional and religious views out of the political square.
Progressive voters are more positive and supportive toward Transgender Day of Visibility. This is particularly true for those who identify as Democrats or liberals. This group notes the importance of recognizing the rights and identities of transgender people. They see the announcement as a step towards inclusivity and recognition.
Liberals also tend to criticize more conservative voters, accusing them of hatred or bigotry towards trans people. Progressive Christians also claim that modern "inclusion and equity” is in line with the teachings of Jesus. Some even express a belief that Jesus himself would not mind sharing the day.
02
Apr
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The War on Drugs, a global campaign led by the U.S. federal government with the aim of reducing the illegal drug trade, has long been a point of political and social contention. Views on this issue tend to vary depending on political affiliation, racial and economic background, age, and geography.
Partisan Views of the War on Drugs
Democrats generally advocate for a more health-centered approach to the issue. They emphasize prevention, treatment, harm reduction strategies, and decriminalization of marijuana. They often argue the War on Drugs has disproportionately targeted minority communities, leading to systemic racial disparities in drug-related arrests and incarcerations.
Decriminalization or legalization of marijuana efforts emphasize potential economic benefits and reducing the number of nonviolent drug offenders in prisons. They often argue the War on Drugs has disproportionately impacted communities of color and lower-income individuals. This, they say, leads to systemic injustices. The Democratic Party has increasingly endorsed medical marijuana and decriminalization of possession.
Republicans typically support strong law enforcement measures to combat drug trade. They argue for increased border security and stringent punishment for drug offenders. They often attribute the drug problem to lax immigration policies and assert that stronger border controls could help prevent drugs like fentanyl from entering the country. This group prioritizes maintaining public safety however, this viewpoint is evolving.
Some Republicans, such as Georgia's Governor Brian Kemp, have shown support for marijuana legalization, causing confusion among conservative constituents.
Independents generally lean towards more moderate strategies that balance law enforcement with prevention and treatment. Their views are varied, but they often align more closely with the Democratic viewpoint, favoring decriminalization or legalization.
Other Demographic Groups on the Drug War
Age also plays a significant role in shaping views on the War on Drugs. Younger generations, who have grown up in an era of changing attitudes towards certain drugs like cannabis, are more likely to support reformative approaches like decriminalization and treatment. Older generations tend to maintain more conservative views, favoring law enforcement and punitive measures.
Geography is another factor, as urban and rural communities experience different aspects of the drug crisis. Rural areas, for instance, have been hit particularly hard by the opioid epidemic. And urban areas often struggle with issues related to drug trafficking and violence.
Racial and economic backgrounds also influence perceptions of the War on Drugs. Minority communities, particularly African American and Latino populations, have been disproportionately affected by drug-related arrests and incarcerations. Economically disadvantaged communities often bear the brunt of the drug crisis, suffering higher rates of substance abuse and related health issues.
It's likely that the War on Drugs will remain a politically divisive issue. As the country continues to grapple with the fallout from the opioid epidemic, debates will likely center around the balance between law enforcement and treatment strategies. Furthermore, concerns about racial justice and the societal impacts of drug criminalization will continue to shape public discourse on this issue.
As newer generations become more politically active, it’s possible there will be a shift towards more progressive policies. However, strong law enforcement measures will likely remain a key component of the country's overall strategy to combat drug abuse.
29
Mar
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Former president Trump’s merger deal to make the social media platform Truth Social public through a SPAC, combined with his reduced bail have his supporters celebrating. Stocks for the merged entity debuted with a stock price near $50, giving it a market value of approximately $6.8 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol "DJT."
As expected, reactions are divided along political lines with right-leaning Trump supporters praising Trump and criticizing New York AG Letitia James. Left leaning and “never Trump” Republican voters are less enthusiastic about these developments. Depending on a person’s political leanings, it seems the events confirm preconceived notions about whether Trump is receiving preferential treatment or political targeting.
MAGA Voters Love to See Trump Win
Conservative and moderate voters who view Trump as a target of a politicized justice system are celebrating the merger of Truth Social and DWAC as a triumph. They view it as a lifeline for his apparently dubious financial situation. Conservatives tend to view Truth Social as a beacon of free speech and a platform that offered Trump a space when no other platform would. The approval of the merger is seen as a potential $3 billion net worth increase for Trump, which conservatives perceive as a major victory and a source of vindication.
Right leaning discourse also lauds the reduction of Trump's bail amount, which was cut from $464 million to $175 million. They view this as another win for Trump, anticipating that the event will lead to an outpouring of "liberal tears."
Many Americans who are not vehemently opposed to Trump view his many legal woes as evidence of a political vendetta. They argue Trump's properties were assessed and taxed by the city and any discrepancy in their valuation for tax and loan purposes is not fraudulent. They also point out that the lenders were repaid and none of them lodged complaints against Trump. This group believes the legal challenges Trump is facing are attempts to financially drain him. Trump's recent bail reduction is seen as a justified action in the face of outrageous and ridiculous rulings.
- In recent days, with news of his bail reduction, Trump’s approval regarding legal cases jumped to 48%.
- Average sentiment in the last two weeks has hovered in the mid 40% range.
Liberals Claim Trump is Getting Preferential Treatment
More left-leaning voters are expressing frustration and disappointment with the approval of Truth Social's merger and the reduction of Trump's bail amount. They view the merger as a dangerous development that could give Trump control over a major stock, potentially allowing him to manipulate the narrative and spread disinformation. They also perceive the reduction of his bail as a sign of preferential treatment and continue to express hopes for his assets to be seized due to his ongoing legal battles.
This group paints Trump as a wealthy individual exploiting the system at the expense of the average worker, who ends up paying higher taxes and loan interests as a result. The recent move by Letitia James on Trump's Seven Springs property to start satisfying the $464 million judgment against him is seen as a step towards making him pay his fair share.
Liberals tend to voice concerns about Trump's financial track record, pointing to the ongoing investigations led by Letitia James. They argue that Trump has manipulated property values to reduce his tax liability and hope he will face severe penalties, including the potential seizure of his assets. Some even suggest that Trump Tower could be repurposed as a low-rent shelter for the homeless.
Voter Sentiment Toward AG Letitia James
Moderate and conservative voters who oppose the perception of a politicized judicial system express a belief that Letitia James and others are pursuing a political vendetta against Donald Trump. They see her attempts to investigate his financial dealings as politically motivated, rather than a legitimate effort to uphold the law.
There are claims that James' actions against Trump are an attempt to thwart his 2024 campaign and, therefore, amount to election interference. These voters sometimes compare the potential seizing of Trump's assets by James to actions taken in authoritarian regimes like Venezuela or Cuba. This implies a belief that such actions are an attack on private property and the rule of law.
Some voters are asking for a special counsel to investigate the alleged corruption and election interference by James and Judge Engoron.
Many Americans, regardless of political views, fear this Trump case could be harmful to business in New York and could potentially lead to a dangerous precedent.
Liberals and anti-Trumpers view James positively, applauding her for pursuing legal action against Trump and for her commitment to the principle that no one is above the law. They support her efforts to hold Trump accountable for alleged financial irregularities.
28
Mar
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MIG Reports analysis of online discussions about increasing gas prices reveals people attribute this economic issue to political leadership. Under President Joe Biden people are noting the rise in fuel prices. Some attribute the increase in fuel prices to Biden's policies, while others defend Biden's administration, suggesting that other economic factors are at play.
Another theme that arises is the impact of rising fuel prices on other sectors, such as food and housing. Some users express concern that the rise in fuel prices is causing a concurrent increase in food prices and housing costs. Conversely, others argue that overall economic conditions have improved under Biden's administration, with lower interest rates and home prices than the previous year.
In terms of demographic patterns, there is a clear political divide. Those criticizing the rise in gas prices and its impact on the economy generally lean towards the right, while those defending Biden's administration lean left. Views on the issue do not appear to be deeply influenced by economic class, race, or geography, but rather by political affiliation.
It seems most people understand that fuel prices are rising, but there is disagreement over what is causing this increase. Some blame political policies, while others suggest that broader economic factors are responsible. With petroleum reserves likely unable to reduce prices as previously utilized by Biden administration, consumer worries about future prices will likely persist.
Top Discussion Trends of Increasing Fuel Prices
Economic Impact
Many people express concern about the impact of rising gas prices on the cost of living, particularly food and housing. There is a general understanding that higher fuel prices contribute to increased costs for essential goods, which can put a strain on individuals and families, especially those in the middle and lower economic classes.
Climate Change
Some people connect rising fuel prices to climate change, suggesting global warming could exacerbate economic inflation. There is a growing view that environmental factors can influence the economy, although this understanding may be more prevalent among left-leaning voters with a higher level of education or interest in environmental issues.
Political Influence
There is also a belief that political decisions can influence gas prices. Some people accuse politicians of either causing or failing to prevent rising costs. This perception appears to be more common among those who identify with a particular political party or ideology, suggesting a possible political divide in understanding and responses to fuel price changes.
Geographic Differences
The conversation around fuel prices also varies geographically. For example, in Japan, the narrative focuses on changes in the Consumer Price Index and the impact of energy prices on inflation. In contrast, in the United States, the discussion often revolves around political and economic issues.
Misunderstanding and Misinformation
There is also some misunderstanding and misinformation about the causes and effects of rising fuel prices. Some people incorrectly believe that the government directly sets food and fuel prices, while others seem to underestimate the complex factors that contribute to economic inflation.
27
Mar
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The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments today in a case that has ignited a fierce debate about free speech and government censorship online. Murthy v. Missouri will determine whether the Biden administration's efforts to pressure social media companies to censor certain content violated the First Amendment. The case stems from actions taken by the federal government in 2021 to combat what it deemed "disinformation" and "misinformation" on various online platforms.
The lawsuit, initially filed by the attorneys general of Missouri and Louisiana, accused the Biden administration of overreach and likened its tactics to those of an "Orwellian Ministry of Truth." The government's actions, which included pressuring social media giants like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to remove content related to topics like the COVID-19 lab leak theory and vaccine efficacy, sparked widespread controversy and legal scrutiny.
Public Discourse
Republicans have been vocal in their concerns about the potential implications of government-led censorship. They fear that a ruling in favor of the government could set a precedent for broader censorship, particularly targeting right-wing media outlets. Many view this as an attack on dissenting voices and a fundamental erosion of democratic principles.
In contrast, Democrats emphasize the rights of private companies to moderate content on their platforms. They focus on their concern about former President Trump's influence on the Supreme Court, particularly through the appointment of three justices during his tenure. They fear this may bias the court's rulings in favor of his interests.
The case has ignited a flurry of discussions across social media platforms, reflecting a deep-seated unease and dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. Many social media users have expressed dismay over what they perceive as growing authoritarianism and censorship in the country. There are fears that a ruling favoring government censorship could lead to further erosion of free speech rights, particularly for dissenting voices and right-wing media outlets.
Justice Jackson Inspires a Hot Debate
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson made an interesting comment about the First Amendment that has further fueled debate.
Jackson's assertion that the First Amendment is "hamstringing" the federal government has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans, who argue that such a view indicates a fundamental misunderstanding or disregard for the principles enshrined in the Constitution. Some Republicans have gone as far as to suggest that her comments reveal a broader trend of governmental overreach and a willingness to curtail constitutional freedoms.
Democrats, however, have rallied behind Justice Jackson, citing her extensive legal background and qualifications for the role. They argue that criticisms of her are unfounded and politically motivated, emphasizing her impressive credentials, including graduating from Harvard Law and serving as a district judge. Many Democrats view Justice Jackson's comments as a reflection of her nuanced understanding of constitutional law and the complexities of balancing individual rights with government authority.
The debate surrounding Justice Jackson's comments has underscored the deeply polarized nature of the discourse surrounding the case. While Republicans express concerns about the potential implications of her views for free speech and individual liberties, Democrats defend her as a highly qualified jurist with a firm commitment to upholding the Constitution. Jackson's comments are likely to remain a focal point of discussion as the case progresses.
Conclusion
Overall, the case of Murthy v. Missouri has become a lightning rod for discussions about free speech, government overreach, and the role of the Supreme Court in safeguarding constitutional rights. As the oral arguments unfold, the nation awaits a decision that could have far-reaching implications for the future of online discourse and democratic governance.
21
Mar
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Reactions to Judge McAfee’s ruling not to disqualify Fani Willis from prosecuting Trump are generally negative online. Although, there are polarized sentiments that fall along political lines. Much of the vocal discussion seems to be from conservative, particularly pro-Trump, individuals or outlets, with a noticeable amount of negative commentary directed towards Willis.
Many voters both nationally and in Fulton County, Georgia express outrage at Willis and her team, accusing them of being corrupt and unfit for office. There are repeated calls for investigations into Willis' use of federal and county funds, with allegations that she misused these resources.
While much of the discussion is partisan, those who support Willis most often voice relief over her ability to continue prosecuting Trump – rather than defending her against corruption allegations. This suggests Democrats feel more passionate about successfully convicting Trump than correcting any perception of corruption in Georgia courts.
Judge McAfee is being largely criticized for his rulings, with some users accusing him of being corrupt or untrustworthy. Many voters believe he should have removed Willis and Wade from the Trump case, and some believe McAfee is acting to ensure his election.
Some say Willis' actions are highly suspicious and potentially illegal, calling for her to be investigated under federal RICO charges, herself.
Partisan Democrats Want to “Get Trump”
Liberal-leaning voters mostly see the decision to keep Willis on the Trump case as a win for their side. They seem to view the situation as a chance for justice to be served against Trump, and express anticipation at the prospect of Willis continuing to prosecute the case.
Instead of defending Willis and Wade as ethical and unjustly maligned, these commenters are more likely to emphasize the importance of justice against Trump. However, these positive sentiments appear to be less common than the negative ones.
Supporters of Willis at the national level celebrate the judge's decision and express hope that she will be able to successfully prosecute Trump. They often frame this as a victory against Trump and his supporters.
Some Georgia voters see Willis as a powerful figure who is unafraid to challenge the status quo. They see her as a potential role model for other women and appreciate her determination in pursuing the case against Donald Trump. These voters also believe that personal scandals are being used as distractions from the real issues at hand.
Many among this group believe the case can proceed fairly without Wade's involvement. Nathan Wade's resignation is viewed by some as a necessary step for the case to move forward, while others see it as an indication of corruption and bias.
- Overall, Fani Willis support has remained strong in the high 40% range, despite severe negativity.
- It’s not totally clear whether support is directed at Fani Willis herself or, rather, her prosecution against Trump.
Georgia Voters Fear for the Integrity of Fulton County Courts
Georgia voters, while also showing a division in opinion, seem to be more focused on the potential impact of Willis's actions on the state's political landscape. Many in Fulton County express frustration over what they see as a lack of justice in the case proceedings.
Local reactions often include more specific references to Georgia politics. Critics accuse corruption and call for investigations into Willis's use of federal and county funds. They also respond to McAfee’s ruling with calls for Governor Brian Kemp to act against the perceived state corruption.
Some Georgia voters feel the corruption in Fulton County is some of the worst in the nation. They have called on the Georgia Ethics board to investigate both Willis and Nathan Wade. Georgians disapprove of allegations that Willis overpaid Wade using taxpayer money. Some voters are calling for the resignation or recusal of Willis from the Trump election case.
Many Georgia voters view Willis as a corrupt figure who has abused her power for personal gain. They accuse her of taking advantage of her position to live a luxurious lifestyle while her constituents live in poverty. This criticism seems to be based on perceptions of Willis's character rather than her professional conduct.
Sentiment in Fulton County seems to indicate a general frustration with political corruption, ineffective government, and inadequate action against perceived injustices.
- Donald Trump’s overall approval in Georgia is moderately strong in the mid 40% range.
- Trump’s approval, specifically on legal allegations in Georgia, has risen above his overall approval, suggesting Georgians are sympathetic to his defense.
18
Mar
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The House voted to pass a recent TikTok bill potentially banning the social media platform in the U.S., and conversations sparked online. While more Republicans than Democrats voted to pass the bill, conversations suggest divisions among voters are not strictly partisan. As more information comes out about the legislation, opinions are shaping across age demographics as well as political parties.
Younger Millennials and Gen Z Voters
Voters under 30 are expressing significant concern about the TikTok bill. They mostly view it as a potential threat to freedom of speech and privacy. They argue that it opens the door for governmental control over social media and news outlets.
Some people are suggesting rules in the bill may set the stage for abuse by future presidents, opening the door for more unchecked censorship. They fear the bill may allow executive actions to ban any sites, not just TikTok, that a president finds objectionable.
Many young people are also questioning the motives behind the bill, suspecting the involvement of competing platforms like Facebook.
There are some younger voters who see the bill as a necessary measure to protect national security. But because younger people compose the largest userbase for platforms like TikTok, support for the bill seems limited in this demographic.
Young people often use TikTok and similar platforms for entertainment and as a tool for political activism and social justice movements. They largely argue the bill infringes on their freedom of expression and could potentially stifle youth-led movements and revenue streams.
Opposition to the bill seems to cross political lines since most younger voters are pro-technology and social media. Many right-leaning voters say that, although they are concerned about China spyware, the bill likely won’t accomplish its alleged aim.
This group has also shown interest in the stock market and cryptocurrency trading, with some referencing "TRUMP/SOL" on DEX Screener and others discussing trading cards and "Trump bucks." They also point out the hypocrisy in banning TikTok for data privacy issues while American tech companies are also known for collecting extensive user data.
Middle-Age Voters Are Cautiously Supportive
For the middle-aged demographic, reactions to the bill are more varied. This group is less likely to use TikTok, and their views tend to reflect their political leanings. Some agree with the bill, citing concerns over national security, privacy, and the influence of foreign companies.
There is certainly opposition, however, with some seeing the bill as an unnecessary restriction on a platform that provides an outlet for creativity and communication.
Many voters in the 35-50 demographic show cautious support for the bill. They emphasize the importance of restricting the Chinese Communist Party from accessing American data. They also point out that TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, is subject to Chinese law, which can compel companies to cooperate with intelligence services.
This group seems to worry about misuse of data both by foreign governments and American corporations. Many of them call for stricter regulations to protect user data in general. They express skepticism about the effectiveness of the bill in addressing digital spying, arguing for a more comprehensive approach to data protection.
Older Voters Are Primarily Concerned with Security
Voters older than 50, particularly those in the Boomer generation, largely support the bill. This demographic tends to be less familiar with TikTok and often views it mainly as a national security concern and cultural negative.
There are a few voices in favor of TikTok, espousing the benefits of the platform for their children or grandchildren. However, this group seems to be smaller than among other age groups.
Older voters who identify as conservatives or Trump supporters often view the bill as a necessary step to counter foreign influence and protect national security. Many of them view restricting biased platforms like TikTok as part of a larger battle against woke culture and left-leaning ideologies. A segment of this group is hopeful the bill can be utilized to counter restrictions and throttling against conservative voices on social media platforms.
However, not all Trump supporters are in favor of the bill. Some fear that it could lead to more extensive government control and censorship, potentially infringing on First Amendment rights. They argue that such decisions should be made by the public rather than the government.
Older Democrats express more skepticism about the bill. They view it as a potential tool for censorship and control, with some alleging that it could be used to manipulate the information landscape to the benefit of Trump or other conservative figures.
While the bill still needs to gain support in the Senate, it seems to be losing steam among voters. There are still supporters, but discourse seems to be largely negative, regardless of political affiliation.
17
Mar
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The social media commentary on Robert Hur's testimony shows a division between those who believe Hur's findings are legitimate and those who contest them. Many Accuse Hur of lying in his report and say the testimony backfired for Republicans. Others insist his investigation was thorough and independent, identifying evidence of misconduct by Joe Biden.
Many of the comments specifically focus on the claim that Joe Biden willfully retained classified materials after the end of his vice presidency, an illegal act. However, others express skepticism about the findings, stating that Hur's conclusions were influenced by his political affiliations or personal bias.
While many target Robert Hur and his conduct directly, it seems Democrats are largely heading an effort to pivot to broader political commentary. This includes their views on the state of American democracy, the character of Donald Trump, and the behavior of various political figures.
A lot of outspoken Democrats are taking the opportunity to characterize Trump as a dictator and express fears about the future of democracy. Others defend Trump, bringing Biden back into the spotlight as an example of a two-tiered justice system.
Role of Robert Hur
A widely discussed topic is the role of Robert Hur himself. Some people express appreciation for his work and his testimony. Others criticize him for being politicized, expressing their desire to see charges against Trump.
Counterpoints suggest that Hur's investigation was thorough and fair, and that the decision not to charge Biden was justified based on the evidence.
The Trump Administration
Many discussions pivot to allegations against the Trump administration, including racism, fascism, and criminal activity.
Counterpoints include claims that these allegations are politically motivated and lack substantiation.
Democracy vs. Tyranny
A major theme in the discussion is the choice between democracy and tyranny, with some suggesting that supporting Trump is equivalent to supporting tyranny.
Counterpoints argue that such comments are hyperbolic and overlook the democratic processes that underpin the American system of government.
House Democrats Performance
There is a debate about the performance of House Democrats during Hur's testimony. Some praise their questioning and efforts to uncover the truth, while others, like law professor Jonathan Turley, criticize them for their approach.
Counterpoints suggest that the Democrats' performance was strategic and necessary given the gravity of the allegations.
Trump's Cognitive Decline
Some people discuss a video montage put together by Representative Jerry Nadler, which they claim shows Trump's cognitive decline.
Counterpoints argue that this is a personal attack and irrelevant to the substance of Hur's testimony.
There is no clear evidence that people are equating Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton's handling of classified material to charges brought against Trump for similar violations. The conversation surrounding Hur’s testimony primarily focuses on Donald Trump and his actions during and after his presidency. Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton are not frequently mentioned, indicating that the conversation, at least on social media, is not drawing parallels between these political figures in relation to handling classified material.
14
Mar
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At last week’s State of the Union address, President Biden continued efforts made by Democrats in recent years to position the Democratic Party as the Party of the working class, taking on the rich and corporations. “Look, I’m a capitalist,” Biden remarked. “If you want to make or can make a million or millions of bucks, that’s great. Just pay your fair share in taxes.”
Taking on the wealthy represents a pivot from the era of Bill Clinton Democrats, whose Clinton ads of the day now sound more like modern Republicans. Clinton told viewers in a televised ad during his first bid for office, “Our government has failed us. And one of its worst failures has been welfare. I have a plan to end welfare as we know it.”
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren has been on the forefront of pushing Democrats to the modern “Eat the Rich” Party brand. But despite Biden and Warren’s confidence in their appeal to middle class voters, online discussions surrounding Warren’s rhetoric on raising taxes does not just land on deaf ears, it enrages distrustful Americans who increasingly believe Democrats are the party of the elites.
What They’re Saying
Normally, Warren’s tweets garner around a hundred responses, but Warren’s tweet praising efforts to unleash the IRS on the “Ultra Rich” earned more than 5,000 responses.
MIG Reports’ analysis of responses to the tweet uncovered a combination of distrust and mockery. People expressed a “perception of hypocrisy,” with a number of users criticizing Warren for her personal wealth, suggesting she should be taxed more heavily or accusing her of not paying her fair share.
The theme of distrust and of hypocrisy extended beyond Warren, with many responses to Warren’s tweet lowering Warren's sentiment by associating her with other controversial figures such as Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden. This discourse highlighted how the President’s own son pleaded guilty to tax evasion.
Others responding to the Massachusetts Senator’s tweet asserted that the level of tax revenue is not the problem, but government spending. Voters mentioned Warren “arguing that the focus should be on reducing spending rather than increasing taxes.”
By the Numbers
Since Warren’s comments on raising taxes, MIG Reports finds a serious blow to her approval among those discussing her online. Warren tends to hover below 250 mentions online. This earns her a near neutral approval rating on days when she has low online discussion volume.
- On the day Warren tweeted calling for higher taxes, her mentions doubled their usual rate, and her approval rating fell.
- On March 10th, Warren's approval rating was 47%. The day of her tax comments, approval tumbled to 43% and fell to 41% by March 12th.
It’s clear there is a direct correlation between Warren’s tax-the-rich rhetoric and her drop in approval. Warren’s ratio of positive to negative comments in discussions involving economics showed a ratio of 25 positive percentage points to 85 negative percentage points.
A Historic Shift
Perhaps the best explanation for why efforts from Democrats like Warren and Biden increasingly fall on deaf ears is found in the partisan wealth divide in elections. In 2016, Pew Research found that, “Although many middle-class areas voted for Barack Obama in 2008, they overwhelmingly favored Donald Trump in 2016.”
This trend has continued since Trump’s rise in politics. Axios reported that, “64% of congressional districts with median incomes below the national median are now represented by Republicans.” Moreover, despite regularly labeling Republicans as the “Party of the Rich,” Democrats represent nine of the 10 richest Congressional Districts in America.
It's easy to understand why middle-class Americans simply don’t trust Democrats to hold elites accountable. Americans see politicians as part of the elite. Households across America are united in banning members of Congress from stock trading. Yet Democrat legislators continue to utilize insider information to make suspiciously successful stock trades, earning millions in a profession that pays $174,000 a year.
President Biden’s efforts to hold tax cheats accountable falls flat with Americans who have been following Hunter’s tax evasion charges. Rhetoric from Democrat politicians about taking on the rich or fixing the financial system doesn’t seem to be convincing working-class Americans to forget that Democrats are often among the "Ultra-Rich” they decry.
To many Americans, Democrats both act and speak like the elite class they claim to hold accountable. Online discussions suggest middle-class Americans can hardly distinguish DNC talking points from the elites they felt mocked them for not being able to “just work from home” during COVID. Many normal Americans feel attacked when the rich, politicians, or media commentators tell them to simply buy a $50,000 electric car to save the planet. Republicans will likely continue to win middle class America, a crucial segment of the electorate, if Democrats continue to act and talk like the people Americans feel detest them.
13
Mar