mainstream-media Articles
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A CNN town hall with Kamala Harris, hosted by Anderson Cooper, foments skepticism and disillusionment toward her candidacy. Across the board, responses indicate her performance failed to sway voters who are already critical of her. Many vocally express their preferences for Trump or suggest they will abstain from voting.
đ David Axelrod on Kamala's Town Hall: "When she doesnât want to answer, she goes to 'WORD SALAD CITY.'"
â Beats in Brief (@beatsinbrief) October 24, 2024
Anderson asked about IsraelââWould she be stronger than Trump?â After seven minutes, we were still lost in the salad and never got to the dressing! #CNNTownHall pic.twitter.com/vyDl3C5y6rPropensity to Vote
MIG Reports data shows a strong inclination away from support for Kamala Harris. Only about 20% of online discussions express any intent to vote for her. Even these comments often mixed support with a sense of reluctance or criticism.
Between 50-69% voice a preference other than Harrisâmainly Trump. About 25% say they are completely indifferent to voting at all, citing feelings of disillusionment with the entire political landscape. These individuals are frustrated with both major parties and feeling alienated by the current state of U.S. politics.
Kamala Harris: "I may not have the answer as soon as you ask it about a specific policy sometimes because I'm gonna want to research it...I'm kind of a nerd sometimes ha ha ha ha ha! I confess!" pic.twitter.com/Rsa7zRQJvn
â Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 24, 2024Calcified Perspectives
Most voters responding to Harrisâs town halls have already formed strong opinions. They say her performance only solidifies these existing views. Her answers during the broadcast entrench long-held frustrations, particularly around her credibility and leadership.
Many also say her media appearances only confirm their intention to vote for Trump or another candidate. Issues like immigration, economic management, and her consistent evasiveness during when questioned only further cement negative views.
Those who have changed their minds say their perspectives have shifted from neutrality or mild curiosity to one of firm opposition. For these voters, Harrisâs responsesâparticularly on issues like the border and economic policiesâlack depth and authenticity, leading them to reject her candidacy altogether.
First-Person vs. Third-Person
An analysis of first-person versus third-person language usage sheds light on the emotional investment and detachment voters feel toward Harris.
First-person comments are highly personal, voicing frustration or disillusionment with things like, âI will vote for Trump,â âI vehemently disagree with Harris.â These comments frame reactions within the voterâs own experiences and personal stakes. This suggests people view the election as having direct consequences for their lives.
Most of the discussion is presented using third-person language, using a more detached and analytical tone. Voters critique Harrisâs candidacy from a distance, frequently referring to her in broad terms like, âHarris is incompetent,â âHer campaign is a disaster.â This shift puts distance between their personal experience and Harris as a symbol of the political establishment.
Kamalaâs town hall was so bad even CNN is calling her out? pic.twitter.com/h2NPy0iSUk
â JOSH DUNLAP (@JDunlap1974) October 24, 2024How Voter Talk About Harris
Voters use words like âliar,â âfraud,â and âdisasterâ to describe Harris, painting her as an ineffective politician and failed leader. They say they feel betrayal and that Harris and the Democratic Party are out of touch or elitist.
Comments focusing on specific policy critiquesâsuch as Harrisâs stance on border securityâoften contain fear-based rhetoric, invoking terms like âdrug cartelsâ and âterroristsâ to amplify a sense of urgency and failure. Meanwhile, more reflective comments question Harrisâs integrity and authenticity, with some calling for greater accountability and transparency from political leaders in general.
jesus -- Dana Bash says she's hearing from people that Harris failed "to close the deal." These folks are gonna bothsides us straight into fascism. pic.twitter.com/XwGpxWKj8q
â Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 24, 202427
Oct
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Yesterday, the Telegraph published a story alleging former model Stacey Williams was introduced to Donald Trump through Jeffery Epstein in 1993. She claims she was groped by Trump and the timing of her allegations have nothing to do with the impending election.
The latest Trump accuser Stacey Williams says she "can't control" that this is coming out 2 weeks before the election, and that it's all "coincidental."
â johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) October 24, 2024
CNN then says she made her support for Kamala "very clear" in their interview.
It's all a farce. pic.twitter.com/x1SKRIGrOEWithin hours, many dismissed the story, attributing it to a politically motivated smear campaign by the mainstream media. Many pointed out that Jeffery Epstein didnât live in the Upper East Side of New York until 1996.
The liar in this story claims that she went on a walk with Epstein in 1993 by his Upper East Side home when he took her to see Trump.
â Greg Price (@greg_price11) October 24, 2024
Thereâs only one problem which is that Epstein didnât move there until 1996. https://t.co/UmT6NtfGrK pic.twitter.com/tjkFGBGsiSWhoâs Buying It?
The believability of this story is predictably divided, revealing strong partisan and demographic patterns in public sentiment.
- 40% of comments say they believe the story.
- Among these, many frame it within broader concerns about misogyny, womenâs rights, and accountability.
- The believe narratives about Trump's alleged poor treatment of women in the past.
- This group is mostly younger audiences, women, and left leaning Democrats.
Skepticism and dismissal dominate the rest of the discourse, particularly among Trump supporters and older demographics.
- Around 45-50% of view the story as a politically motivated attack, dismissing it as predictable in the relentless media-driven smears against Trump.
- This group says the allegation is part and parcel of ongoing efforts to undermine Trump's political career with false accusations.
- They use terms like "witch hunt" and "fake news" to express their skepticismâespecially among male commenters.
There is clear cynicism about the impact of such stories in an already polarized political environment. Many also believe bombshells like this are âbaked into the cakeâ in the sense that most voters are used to similar allegations against Trump.
- 15% of comments are ambivalent or neutral, suggesting the allegations are commonplace in politics and don't sway their opinions.
- This group, often politically disillusioned or disengaged, emphasizes the need for substantiation before making judgments.
- There is also less fervor and emotion in their responses, unlike the supporters and critics.
MIG Reports data shows, following the revelation, Trump increased in overall sentiment. At the same time, sentiment toward Harris marginally dropped. This suggests, with high confidence, that voters are not significantly swayed by the story, and Trump voter will likely maintain support, even if theyâre not vocal about it.
Overall, belief in the story aligns with societal divisions, where pre-existing political views and social dynamics shape the narrative. While those aligned against Trump are more likely to believe and express outrage, supporters overwhelmingly view the allegation as another unfounded political attack, reinforcing existing polarization.
26
Oct
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Recent assertions by âThe Atlanticâ claim Donald Trump expressed admiration for Hitlerâs generals, igniting a firestorm discussion. Reactions span from outright condemning Trump to fierce defense.
The article also starts by recalling the murder of a U.S. soldier, Vanessa GuillĂ©n, whose funeral Trump allegedly promised to pay for, only to renege when he discovered it cost $60,000. GuillĂ©nâs surviving sister spoke out against âThe Atlanticâsâ characterization of how Trump treated her family, also adding that she voted for him.
Wow.
â Mayra Guillen (@mguilen_) October 22, 2024
I donât appreciate how you are exploiting my sisterâs death for politics- hurtful & disrespectful to the important changes she made for service members. President Donald Trump did nothing but show respect to my family & Vanessa. In fact, I voted for President Trump today. https://t.co/o8cDrKOKBVFurther expanding on this story, Kamala Harris made public statements condemning Trump for his alleged affinity for Hitler. Her entire remarks focusing on portraying Trumps as a threat to the country stirred more controversy online.
Vice President Harris: "It is deeply troubling and incredibly dangerous that Donald Trump would invoke Adolf Hitler...this is a window into who Donald Trump really is from the people who know him best." pic.twitter.com/WKu4xFXRl8
â CSPAN (@cspan) October 23, 2024These incidents also come just days after former President Barack Obama said, "I don't understand how we got so toxic and just so divided and so bitter." Many view Obamaâs confusion as disingenuous since he has been known as a divisive figure himself.
Barack Obama: "I don't understand how we got so toxic and just so divided and so bitter." pic.twitter.com/OWj3uicQ1o
â Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 22, 2024Belief in Sensational Claims
In voter discussions, those who believe Trump made the alleged comments is between 30-40%. Supporters largely reject the claim, viewing it as fabricated or exaggerated by the media to tarnish Trumpâs image. Skepticism toward mainstream media is a recurring theme, with phrases like âfake newsâ often used to describe coverage of the story.
Critics find the claim believable, aligning it with their pre-existing perceptions of Trumpâs leadership style. This group say the report fits a pattern they observe in his past rhetoric, making the story plausible in their eyes.
Predictable Patterns
Young voters under 35 are more likely to express outrage and concern. They frame Trumpâs comments as demonstrating the danger of populism. This demographic often seeks historical parallels, like Hitler, to make their points about Trump.
Older voters over 50 tend to defend Trump or dismiss the claim as media exaggeration. They view Trumpâs comments through the lens of traditional conservative values and are generally less concerned with historical comparisons to authoritarian regimes.
Urban voters voice alarm at Trumpâs alleged comments, often citing exposure to diverse viewpoints as potentially dangerous and worrying about rising authoritarianism.
Rural voters are more likely to see the claims as part of a liberal agenda to discredit Trump, reinforcing their support for him as a counterbalance to perceived urban elitism.
Linguistic Analysis
Trump supporters use phrases like, âGOD BLESS AMERICA,â âfake news,â and âdeep state.â They have a sense of nationalistic pride and a belief that Trump shares the values they hold dear. Many often outright dismiss accusations of authoritarianism or references to Hitler from the left and the media, citing them as tired and overused.
Critics use language of moral and ethical concern, casting doubt on Trumpâs character. Words like âfascist,â âtyranny,â and âauthoritarianismâ frequently appear in their comments. They believe Trumpâs rhetoric is dangerous and symptomatic to his authoritarian leanings. Critical language seeks to link Trumpâs behavior to past instances of dictatorship, like Hitler.
Both sides use religious overtones in their discourse. Words like âevilâ and âmoral decayâ suggest the political divide is framed not just in terms of governance but as part of a larger moral struggle. This adds emotional weight to the conversation and further entrenches the tribalism seen in political dialogue.
25
Oct
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Donald Trumpâs recent stop at a McDonaldâs is hotly discussed online and in the media. Those on the left view it as a trivial campaign stunt, but for many voters, itâs a gesture of good-humored solidarity with working Americans.
â Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 21, 2024
Voter discussions about this event are split along partisan lines. Democrats and liberals are mostly critical, calling the campaign stop âstaged,â âpretend,â and âdisrespectful.â Trump supporters, meanwhile, reacted positively, embracing Trumpâs tongue-in-cheek but authentic retail politics as indicative of his relatable love for America and Americans.
Reactions to the McDonaldâs visit serve as a microcosm of Trumpâs broader campaign strategy, underscoring his unique ability to tap into working-class nostalgia, populism, and defiance against elitism.
Why McDonaldâs Matters
From a simple fast-food stop, a narrative emerges that reflects the broader divide in the American electorate. MIG Reports data shows:
Support from Trumpâs Base
- 60% of Trump supporters express strong positive sentiments toward the McDonaldâs visit.
- Many view it as a testament to Trumpâs connection with everyday Americans, a leader who eschews elitism and embraces the working class.
- Comments from this group suggest Trumpâs authenticity continues to bolster his populist appeal.
- This gesture reinforces beliefs that Trump is âone of us,â a sentiment key to his ongoing political success.
Humor Among Supporters
- 30% of supporters admit it's performative, but say a lighthearted moment being twisted by the media is as unserious as Trump working at McDonaldâs.
- While they still support the visit, they focus on countering liberal narratives with things like, "It's just fries and a burger."
- They emphasize the hypocrisy of incredulous media reactions over any meaningful political impact the event may have.
Breathless Indignation from the Left
Despite widespread jocularity among Republicans, the media and Democrats flail against the campaign stunt.
Walz on The View: Trump going to work at a McDonald's was disrespectful to McDonald's workers. pic.twitter.com/2ZMB9MrNNI
â Washington Free Beacon (@FreeBeacon) October 21, 2024Out-of-Touch Criticism
- 70% of liberal reactions to the McDonaldâs visit were negative, often mocking it as a low point in presidential decorum.
- Many on the left seize upon the chance to frame Trump as out of touch with the responsibilities of leadership, saying he made a mockery of the working class.
- Liberals also say Trumpâs McDonaldâs appearance clearly shows his unhinged or declining mental state.
Moderates and Traditional Republicans
- 20% of liberals react with deep seriousness, framing the visit as indicative of a troubling populist trend within the Republican Party.
- They call it a facile attempt to curry favor with everyday Americans while he fails to adequately address more substantive issues.
- Some say theatrics detract from pressing social and economic issues, insisting Trump is engaging in frivolous behavior.
Meme Culture and the Power of Symbolism
One of the most fascinating aspects of Trumpâs McDonaldâs visit is how powerfully it is amplified through memes and social media. Supporters and critics alike have used images and symbols to create narratives that align with their perspectives.
Supportive Memes
- Trump voters quickly turned the McDonaldâs stop into a meme, celebrating his authenticity.
- Homage memes frame Trump as relatable, using his friendly and personable image to contrast him with political and cultural elites who they see as hostile and disingenuous.
- Many memes mock the over-serious reactions from Democrats and the media which claim the stunt is deceptive and staged.
Critical Memes
- Critics of the McDonaldâs visit attempt to portray Trump as unserious or unfit for leadership, making light of his penchant for fast food and claiming he is ânot well.â
- Many in the media feign confusion, calling the event âbizarreâ or ânot logical,â generating more memes among those who disbelieve the mediaâs sincerity.
Trump at McDonaldâs being shown how French fries are made pic.twitter.com/neD4qa74MB
â Acyn (@Acyn) October 20, 2024The Iconography of Trumpâs Campaign
Trumpâs ability to harness powerful images to reinforce his message isnât limited to McDonaldâs. His campaign phot ops have been unparalleled in this election, with many pointing to iconic images filled with emotion, patriotism, and memetic power.
The most iconic campaign of all time pic.twitter.com/Tw2TLFg0eu
â End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) October 20, 2024Voters compare memorable imagery from Trumpâs campaign, including:
- Trumpâs mugshot in 2023, which became a symbol of his "politics of defiance." Supporters view this image as representing the fight against a corrupt system.
- Likely the most powerful image from the campaign, many people mention Trumpâs defiant pose after the failed assassination attempt.
- Many also point to images of Trump and RFK Jr., representing the unifying and cross-party enthusiasm for the populist MAGA platform.
- Some also point to images of Trump sipping cola at the Al Smith dinner as a sign of his collectedness in a hostile environment.
Momentum Building for the Trump Camp
The McDonaldâs stop may seem trivial at first glance, but voter discussions around the event reveal much about the race and American feelings around average citizens versus elites and power brokers.
- Populism Over Performance: Trump supporters view him as relatable and capable of connecting with American working-class values. They voice their admiration for a leader who "gets them."
- Liberal Elitism: The leftâs continued attacks elicit accusations of establishment figures demeaning and alienating voters. Their unwillingness to see the power in Trumpâs endearing gestures is glaring weakness in their own political strategy.
- A Visual Campaign: From mugshots to fast-food stops, Trumpâs campaign thrives on powerful, patriotic imagery. These symbols of defiance and authenticity resonate deeply with voters who feel overlooked by the political establishment.
23
Oct
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he recent controversy over CBS suspiciously editing Kamala Harrisâs â60 Minutesâ interview has escalated. This incident has grown larger than one interview or one candidateâit brings into question the role mainstream media in politics.
CBS released a statement framing the incident as Trump making accusations of âdeceitful editing.â It went on to admit edits were made, but ultimately placed blame at Trumpâs feet, saying, âRemember, Mr. Trump pulled out of his interview with 60 Minutes and the vice president participated.â
The statement drew heavy criticism from many people on social media, including lawyers, journalists, former CBS employees like Cathrine Herridge, and Trump himself.
đšBREAKING: Trump announces he will likely sue CBS/60 Minutes for the editing of Kamalaâs answer!
â Gunther Eaglemanâą (@GuntherEagleman) October 18, 2024
âItâs the worst scandal⊠I think Iâm going to sue.â
They should lose their license for LYING to the American people! pic.twitter.com/9aVw67NHSzThe outcries accuse CBS of:
- Breaking journalistic integrity by refusing to release the full transcript.
- Lying about the extent of their deceptive edits.
- Revealing political partisanship by attacking Trump.
Exposing Media Bias
The edited interview omitted certain remarks and altered the context of Harrisâs responses. When X users pointed out the discrepancies in various cuts of the question, many raised serious questions about transparency.
Harrisâs critics say CBS is actively protecting her from scrutiny, particularly around sensitive topics like immigration and foreign policy. This is not an isolated incident, and many say itâs part of a larger pattern of editorial choices designed to shape public perceptions of Democratic candidates.
Key Examples of Bias
- Selective Editing: CBS edited portions of Harrisâs â60 Minutesâ interview, raising concerns about presenting an incomplete narrative.
- Lack of Transparency: CBSâs refusal to release the full transcript further fuels distrust, denying the public from judging based on the unedited content.
- Historical Context: This is not the first time CBS or other major networks have been accused of bias. Similar patterns emerged in coverage during the 2016 and 2020 elections, with a notable tilt by legacy outlets toward Democratic candidates.
Consequences for Public Trust
Public trust in the media has been declining for years, and incidents like this only exacerbate the problem. According to MIG Reports data, 60% of overall reactions express skepticism about CBSâs motives. Most Americans suggest the networkâs editorial decisions reveal bias against Trump. This growing distrust is not limited to conservative votersâmoderates and some Independents often question mainstream media bias.
Voter Group Reactions
- Conservatives: 75% distrust CBS, viewing it as part of a broader media agenda to protect Democrats and harm Trump.
- Moderates: 55% express skepticism but recognize the challenges of modern political journalism.
- Independents: 60% of Independents are ambivalent. They believe the media is biased but they are more concerned about Harrisâs policy positions.
- Liberals: 65% of liberal voters defended CBS, saying there is heightened scrutiny on media outlets in a hyper-partisan election.
Impact on the 2024 Election
The implications of media manipulation are increasingly apparent with the rise of alternate platforms like X, where mainstream narratives are regularly challenged. Voters say when networks like CBS push partisan narratives, they influence the election in ways Democrats and media are fond of accusing conservatives of doing.
For the dwindling number of voters who rely on these outlets, distorted stories and depictions of political figures dangerously alter the publicâs ability to make informed judgements. This is particularly serious when outlets fail to offer transparency when they are called out.
Voters believe Kamala Harris interviews should have been a straightforward opportunity for voters to understand her positions. Instead, they say CBSâs editing framed her responses in a way that sanitizes controversy, making it harder for voters to assess her leadership capabilities.
Projected Election Impact
- Perception Shaping: Selective editing reshapes public perceptions among undecided voters who may not view unbiased or counter-narrative content.
- Voter Disillusionment: The more voters sense media manipulation, the more disengaged they become, leading to potential lower voter turnout.
- Independent Voters: Important voter groups are becoming disengaged and critical of mainstream media, making gaining their votes more difficult.
Media Credibility Crisis and Trump Hate
CBSâs refusal to provide transparency reflects a broader crisis of credibility in the media. Americans increasingly distrust legacy outlets for news reports and analysis. This crisis exacerbates beliefs that the media is no longer reporting news, but actively trying to shape it.
The problem extends beyond CBS. The selective editing of political figures is part of a larger pattern where media outlets prioritize creating narratives over offering balanced, transparent reporting.
Many voters believe CBS and other outlets harbor a systemic bias against conservatives, but especially Donald Trump. They say partisan bias among executives and journalists pushes the network to present Trump unfavorably at any cost. Many voters feel trapped in a media landscape that cynically frames and twists information while smearing all dissenters as the ones pedaling âmisinformation.â
A Nail in CBSâs Coffin
Distrust in the media has been growing for many years. However, this election cycle is further entrenching American views of media bias and free information.
Overall, sentiments indicate voters are angry and concerned that CBS is violating ethical norms. They say manipulating content and failing to provide transparency could be a death blow to the network.
Viewers question both the integrity of individual media outlets and the larger implications of their editorial practices. More Americans are saying legacy media is crumbling and may be obsolete sometime soon.
Both average Americans and celebrities are discussing this, demonstrated by a viral clip of Hollywood actor Zachary Levi calling out the ladies of âThe Viewâ for political bias in showbusiness. His assertions that Hollywood is a dying industry gained supportive reactionsâespecially from users on alternative platforms like X.
Zachary Levi went live on IG to talk about his support for Donald Trump- and towards the end, he sent a message to the women on The View- saying there is very much an imbalance in Hollywood in regards to Conservative and Liberal actors. He also sent a message to his fellow⊠pic.twitter.com/THXn6DjCJJ
â Steph Anie (@mynerdyhome) October 21, 202422
Oct
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The FBI quietly revised its crime statistics, revealing a 4.5% increase in violent crime under the Biden administration. This directly contradicts a widely reported 2.1% decrease touted by the media and Democrats for weeks.
There it is: FBI "revised" violent crime data, now reporting that instead of a 2.1% drop in violent crime in 2022, it was actually a 4.5% increase. https://t.co/Bvbg0wKy1A pic.twitter.com/h6nfjRRlUb
â zerohedge (@zerohedge) October 16, 2024Americans are outraged, confirming their beliefs that crime is on the rise, supported by their own observations in the face of media narratives. Analysis identifies why Americans perceive the FBI's revision as politically motivated and their anxieties about governance and law enforcement in the United States.
What Americans are Saying
Voters are extremely frustrated an angry with the Biden-Harris administration, particularly directing their ire at VP Harris. Dissatisfaction stems from perceptions that the government is failing to manage crime, immigration, and economic issues.
Many express a sense of betrayal, arguing promises made by the administration have not been fulfilled. There are also many critiques of the government's approach to public safety and economic recovery, with some tying rising crime rates to policy failures.
Anger about crime statistics dovetails with growing distrust in institutions. Skepticism toward the FBI, mainstream media, and other government entities is rampant. Voters are doubtful about the integrity of official statistics and narratives.
People believe traditional sources of authority are no longer reliable, especially when it comes to reporting on politically charged issues like crime. Discussions also show stark partisan division, with Trump supporters contrasting his presidency with Bidenâs, emphasizing the perception of greater safety and stability under Trump's leadership.
Perceptions of the FBI Revision
Voters believe the FBI's revision of crime statistics serves a political purpose. Many speculate the incorrect initial numbers were not mistaken, but politically calculated to protect the Biden administration from scrutiny.
Many view disparate reports not as honest corrections but attempts to manipulate public perception. They say reports attempt to paint a more favorable image of crime under Biden's leadership.
The notion that the FBI is involved in political maneuvering connects with wider themes of distrust in government institutions. Increasingly, voters view various federal agencies as operating in service of political elites rather than in the public interest.
People use terms like "gaslighting," saying they feel the government is trying to deceive them about the reality of rising crime. Those on the right also point out media biasâparticularly David Muir fact checking Trump during the presidential debate, saying the FBI reports show crime is down.
Reasons Americans Think Crime is Up
Many voters say government policyâspecifically immigrationâcontributes to increased violent crime. They say lenient immigration policies allow criminals into the United States, increasing violent crime. This belief reflects broader concerns about border security and the failure of the Biden administration to maintain law and order.
People also mention economic instability, saying inflation, unemployment, and stagnating wages lead to desperation and more criminal behavior. There is a sense that economic hardship under Bidenâs administration has created conditions conducive to crime, further exacerbating public safety concerns.
Voters are also disillusioned with law enforcement. Some argue Democrats demoralize police forces, weakening their ability to effectively prevent and respond to crime. People say law enforcement has been neutered under Democrat rule allowing criminals to proceed without fear of serious consequences.
Deeper Underlying Sentiments
Voters voice specific grievances about crime and policy as well as more thematic anxieties about the state of the country. People fear rising crime is a symptom of more serious societal decline.
Americans are concerned about the future, suggesting the country is headed toward chaos and instability. These fears are often linked to nostalgia for stronger leadership, particularly under Donald Trump. Many view his presidency as a period of greater safety and prosperity.
In general, there is little middle ground in these discussions. Voters typically fervently support Trump or Democratsâthough a sense of doom if the opposition gains political power crosses into both camps. The stark divide reflects partisan tension in American society, where crime and public safety have become deeply politicized issues.
21
Oct
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An inaudible clip of Joe Biden and Barack Obama at a recent funeral went viral with Americans speculating about what they said. Soon, reports from the New York Post claimed professional lip readers were able to decipher the words. Biden reportedly said, âSheâs not as strong as me,â and Obama responded, âI know⊠thatâs true.â This alleged exchange generated widespread discussion across social media. Though short, it taps into several key narratives, amplifying public discourse about leadership, the Democratic ticket, and political allegiances.
NEW - Biden told Obama "she's not as strong as me" and ex-president agrees "that's true," a lip reader hired by the NY Post says.pic.twitter.com/YnPlNJ04p9
â Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) October 17, 2024Leadership Strength and Competence
A theme in conversations about the clip is voters expressing their perceptions of leadership strength. Many view Bidenâs alleged comment, widely interpreted as referring to Kamala Harris, as an assertion that his campaign would have been stronger than hers. This perception looks to be confirmed by public critiques of Kamala Harris, who is often described as less competent and effective.
Conservatives latch onto Bidenâs remark as a reflection of Harrisâs perceived weaknesses, feeding into questions about her capability as a leader. Many also point out how precarious her campaign momentum looks at the moment after multiple poor media performances. This dynamic between Bidenâs perceived strength and Harrisâs weak image also brings out conversations about gendered expectations in politics.
Public Discontent and Political Polarization
Beyond leadership dynamics, the exchange exacerbates polarization between partisan sides. Conservatives are frustrated with Harris and Democratic leadership. They describe her as a âpuppet,â criticizing her inability to engage effectively in interviews. These critiques echo broader discontent with all establishment Democrats.
Liberals and progressives defend both Biden and Harris, framing the lip-read exchange as exaggerated or taken out of context. This exemplifies political polarization, where events and public figures are scrutinized through a lens of partisan loyalty. Some view Bidenâs confidence as a sign of strong leadership, but others say it's dismissive or arrogant.
Impact of Media and Amplification
The lip reading incident sparked an avalanche of arm-chair investigators dissecting the brief exchange. It also generated conversation beyond the specific words spoken, touching on themes of political tension in the Democratic Party and American society. Each political side interprets the exchange as aligning with their existing views.
The dialogue between Biden and Obama also raises questions about the mediaâs role in shaping political narratives. By focusing on this moment, the media contributes to the ongoing narrative of strength versus empathy in leadership. This incident has become a microcosm of American struggles over leadership and power in politics.
19
Oct
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Kamala Harris's interview with Bret Baier on Fox News is generating many questions about her electability and how various demographic groups are responding. The conversation, which trended on Twitter as âTrain Wreck,â revolves around issues of accountability, immigration, and leadership.
The Kamala Harris campaign officially ended tonight.
â Free (@KaladinFree) October 16, 2024
Someone told her âover talkingâ the interviewer in that annoying Cali wine-mom voice would be appealing to men in the rust belt. They lied.
Donât blame Bret Baier. Kamala did this to herself. pic.twitter.com/C2nsWCWr28Harris's performance is mostly viewed negatively, with defense coming mostly from vehemently partisan Democrats. People criticize how sheâs handled immigration, the economy, and crime. Voters describe her as evasive, condescending, and untrustworthy.
While the mainstream press and her supporters argue Harris exhibited resilience in a âtestyâ interview, the overall sentiment is heavily negative. Viewers believe she failed to offer substantive explanations or take responsibility for the current administrationâs actions.
- 60% of voters reacted negative to the interview
- 25% reacted positively
- 15% expressed neutral reactions
The Freefall Continues
The interview appears to have harmed Harris's electability. Voters perceive her inability to clearly answer questions or demonstrate knowledge and accountability as a major weakness.
Critics point out that Harris overly relies on blaming Trump instead of addressing her administration's shortcomings. This narrative weakens her appeal with undecided voters who want strong leadership and tangible solutions. Skepticism about her leadership and frustrations about the Biden-Harris administration's failures seriously damages her image.
Many also reacted with memes, making fun of Harrisâs demeanor, deflection, and lack of clarity. People pointed out her unlikable persona and her constant references to Trump as evidence of her popularity freefall.
Kamala's interview on Fox mentioned Trump dozens of times. It was her chance to stop lying and say,"I'm sorry, reversing Trump's border policies was a mistake, and I'll reinstate them if I win." But no... She never answered any questions and just kept mentioning Trump. #Trump2024 pic.twitter.com/BSbJH9M4SF
â Solesky Melchizedek (@SoleskyRolando) October 17, 2024Voter Group Reactions
- Conservatives overwhelmingly reacted negatively, with many focusing on Harrisâs failures to manage immigration and crime.
- Black voters are split, with some expressing disappointment in her record as a prosecutor and others maintaining support.
- Gender also plays a role as some critics trivialize her abilities, criticizing her representation of women in leadership.
- Working-class and suburban voters voice concerns about economic instability and crime, expressing anxiety about current Harris policies as sitting VP.
The interview places a magnifying glass on significant challenges for the Harris campaign in maintaining voter support and turnout. The widespread negative reactions, particularly from Independents, along with the mixed response from black voters and the working-class suggest her pathway to victory is growing narrower and more fraught.
18
Oct
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Emerging plagiarism allegations against Vice President Kamala Harris, particularly regarding her 2009 book âSmart on Crime,â are causing uproar. Revelations from investigative journalist Chris Rufo bring scrutiny to Harrisâs political credibility and leadership.
EXCLUSIVE: Kamala Harris plagiarized at least a dozen sections of her criminal-justice book, Smart on Crime, according to a new investigation. The current vice president even lifted material from Wikipedia.
â Christopher F. Rufo âïž (@realchrisrufo) October 14, 2024
We have the receipts. đ§”Voter conversations bring up concerns about Harrisâs integrity and reveal sentiment among key Democratic constituencies. This analysis focuses on how the plagiarism accusations may impact public trust, voter turnout, and strategic implications for the upcoming election.
Impact on Voter Turnout
The potential impact on voter turnout, particularly among key demographics like men and minorities, is a significant concern for Harrisâs campaign. Discussions indicate disengagement among black men, a historically crucial voter base for the Democratic Party.
Comments like, "You havenât done a thing for black men in almost 4 years" illustrate a sense of betrayal, with voters feeling disillusioned by her lack of meaningful action. Linguistic analysis suggests voter dissatisfaction could lead to a 10-15% decline in turnout among black male voters.
Moderates and Independents, who may have previously viewed Harris favorably, are now showing signs of disillusionment. As much as 20% of these voters reacting to plagiarism accusations may abstain from voting or shift their support away from Harris. The escalating opposition to Harris may also energize conservative and right-leaning voter bases, potentially increasing their turnout as they mobilize against her.
Erosion of Trust
The language voters us on social media suggests a severe erosion of trust in Kamala Harrisâs leadership and credibility. Accusations of dishonesty and insincerity dominate the discourse. Voters accuse Harris of being a "liar" and pandering to specific groups while failing to deliver meaningful policies.
People say things like, "you are literally destroying our country" and "she will never be President." There is growing frustration and skepticism among voters about her authenticity, despite little press coverage.
The plagiarism allegations compound voter distrust, aligning with long-standing criticisms of her tenure as a prosecutor and her broader political career. Approximately 65-70% of the discourse expresses distrust in Harris, further weakening her stance among voters.
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Oct