Trending discussions about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, recently chosen as Kamala Harris's vice-presidential running mate, question his trustworthiness and integrity. Renewed allegations of “stolen valor” against Walz by dishonestly embellishing his military service are flooding social media and news outlets.

Critics expose Walz lied about his military record, reporting he retired from the National Guard just before his unit's deployment to Iraq in 2005. This raises questions about his commitment and honor. These accusations are particularly resonant among veterans and military families, who view such actions as deeply dishonorable.

🚨 Congressman Tim Walz literally voted TO PASS the Stolen Valor Act of 2013, which he is in DIRECT violation of.

Can’t make this stuff up.

He knew exactly what he’s doing, but thought he was immune.

Penalties include PRISON TIME. Maybe it’s time to lock Walz up. pic.twitter.com/wNrE9KBXMu

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 8, 2024

Adding to his lies, Walz claimed he was a retired Command Sergeant Major, misrepresenting his rank.

WOW.

Here is yet another video of Tim Walz lying about his rank as a retired Command Sergeant Major.

This one dating back to 2009. pic.twitter.com/PbVMSdd9U4

— Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) August 8, 2024

Walz also liked when advocating to restrict certain firearms, perhaps to ally himself with the Ban Assault Weapons vote. Walz strongly implied he carried “weapons of war” despite never being deployed to a combat zone.

It’s time. pic.twitter.com/1ka7V2V77a

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 7, 2024

Tim Walz falsely claimed he carried weapons ‘in war’ in resurfaced clip: ‘Absolutely false’

Walz also used this nonexistent war experience to say it qualifies him to ban civilian weapons he classifies as weapons of war. https://t.co/ULLphFktt8

— John R Lott Jr. (@JohnRLottJr) August 8, 2024

• These stolen valor allegations have had significant impact on support for Walz, driving down voter sentiment.

Tarnishing His Character

The narrative around Walz also includes concerns about his character and personal responsibility. Reports are also surfacing of an alleged DUI incident in 1995 where he was reportedly driving at excessive speeds. This incident further fuels perceptions of Walz as someone who lacks the integrity and judgment expected of a national leader.

Court documents state that Walz, who was 28 years old and working as a high school teacher and football coach at the time, was caught speeding over 80 mph. He failed a breath test, registering a blood-alcohol level of .128. At that time, the legal limit in many parts of the country, including Nebraska, was .1, though it has since been lowered to .08.

Discussions consistently highlight a lack of respect for Walz and questions about his honesty. Voters call him "deceptive," and "untrustworthy" frequently underscoring their doubts about his character. This distrust seems to undermine his appeal to voters, with some suggesting he withdraw from the VP candidacy.

Media Deflection Aggravates Voter Disillusionment

While much of the voter discussion online is negative, media outlets seem to be attempting to defend Walz. On Aug. 9, Google results for “stolen valor” prominently highlighted J.D. Vance news, with most headlines framing the allegations as an attack against Walz by Vance.

This exacerbates voter ire which already exists against the media and Big Tech companies. Americans accuse the media of carrying water for Democrats, memory-holing Kamala Harris’s poor track record and now running cover for Walz.

Especially on the right, voters find the media reaction particularly egregious with emerging video of Walz’s staffers being confronted by combat veterans in 2009 over stolen valor claims. The fact that stolen valor is also a crime punishable with prison time also angers voters who view Walz as getting a pass from Democrats and the media.

Holy cow, there’s video.

Tim Walz being confronted in 2009 for stealing valor by a combat veteran. pic.twitter.com/HItcGJqlkk

— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) August 8, 2024

Americans Do Not Respect Frauds

Sentiment in discussions about Walz lean heavily negative, especially among conservatives and veterans who feel betrayed. Moderates and undecided voters also scrutinize Walz, voicing similarly skeptical and critical sentiments. This group is also influenced by fears of Walz’s economic mismanagement, lenience on crime, and extreme social policies. Many voters worry his policies are too far left, resonating negatively with his past statements.

After a biological male was allowed to box a woman at the Olympics, many Americans are voicing strong objections and outrage. Female boxer Angela Carini withdrew from the match after only 46 seconds, saying it was the hardest she’d even been hit and that she could not breathe after a blow to her nose.

Imane Khelif's participation highlights concerns about unfair competition due to biological male advantages. People argue Khelif’s inclusion undermines the integrity of women’s sports, given the athlete's previous exclusion from the World Boxing Championship for failing a testosterone test and possessing XY chromosomes.

This sentiment encapsulates a broader frustration with the disproportionate influence of woke ideologies in sports and politics. Critics call for separate categories for transgender or intersex athletes or the establishment of a Trans Games akin to the Paralympics to preserve fairness in competitive sports.

After 46 seconds and a few hits to the face by a male, Carini forfeited the fight.

Call me crazy, but It's almost as if women don't want to be punched in the face by a male as the world watches and applauds.

This is glorified male violence against women.pic.twitter.com/RYU7aTbn0I

— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) August 1, 2024

Many are also pointing out the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) statement on the matter, which urged people to question the Olympic committee on why this was allowed.

BREAKING. The International Boxing Association has released the following scathing statement regarding women’s boxing.

Thread. 1/ pic.twitter.com/JH88N4Ggp5

— Jennifer 🟥🔴🧙‍♀️🦉🐈‍⬛ 🦖 (@babybeginner) July 31, 2024

High profile figures like J.K. Rowling and Jake Paul have also spoken out on the issues, objecting to the event as a global outrage.

Could any picture sum up our new men’s rights movement better? The smirk of a male who’s knows he’s protected by a misogynist sporting establishment enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head, and whose life’s ambition he’s just shattered. #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/Q5SbKiksXQ

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 1, 2024

This is sickening. This is a travesty.

Doesn’t matter what you believe. This is wrong and dangerous. https://t.co/mddORfaK2D

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) August 1, 2024

Positive Support is Scarce

Most reactions express anger, calling for fairness in women's sports. People often express concerns about fairness and safety, emphasizing that men are physically stronger than women—including intersex individuals with the physical advantages of biological men.

People vehemently argue that men do not belong in women's sports, criticizing the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and demanding action.

There are some supporters who call for "inclusivity," "progress," and "equity." They argue allowing men and women to compete in the same events is a step forward for gender equality in sports. This group seeks to challenge traditional gender norms and promote a more inclusive sporting environment.

Some supporters also allege that Khelif is not a transgender athlete but someone with DSD (differences of sexual development) or intersex. However, many in opposition argue this point is not relevant when intersex athletes with XY chromosomes still possess male physical advantages.

Overall, reactions are unified in their disapproval of Carini even being allowed in the ring with a male boxer.

Political Overlap

Reactions are not solely fixated on the match itself but connected with wider political battles. Discussions often include denunciations of liberal and socialist ideologies, highlight the progressive stance that transgender inclusion is the highest priority above female safety.

A male getting his feelings hurt matters more to @iocmedia & @TheDemocrats than a woman getting physically hurt

Read that again

— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) August 1, 2024

Conservatives tend to argue progressives aim to dismantle traditional structures and norms. This outrage is often paired with criticisms of Democratic officials like Kamala Harris. People on the right and even some moderates point out that progressives like Kamala Harris promote “inclusion” and “equity” in sports, staying silent when women like Carini pay a physical price.

True or let her deny it https://t.co/z3OulP5eKJ

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 1, 2024

Another prevalent narrative is the perception of hypocrisy and political exploitation. Critics accuse progressives of promoting policies that allegedly harm women under the guise of inclusivity. Discussions often highlight claims of inconsistency, pointing out that gender identity and transgender issues conflict with feminist principles. People also accuse Democrats of hypocrisy for calling Republicans like J.D. Vance “weird,” while staying silent on female boxers being punched in the face by men.

Dudes are beating up girls in the Olympics but @JDVance is weird…

— Robert J. O'Neill (@mchooyah) August 1, 2024

A public and shocking mockery of the Last Supper during the opening ceremony of the Olympics sent social media into a frenzy over the weekend. Christians were particularly charged by this perceived disrespect and blasphemy against one of the prominent world religions.

The depiction, which many see as a blatant parody of a sacred Christian narrative, has provoked strong reactions across various online platforms. In a live action tableau, an obese woman dressed as the “Christ” figure sat at the center of the Last Supper table, surround by drag queens. The depiction was heightened by a man covered in blue paint and no clothes other than a vine being served on a silver platter.

This portrayal offended many Christians and non-Christians who called it a sacrilege. It has amplified existing cultural and religious fault lines, exacerbating tensions between conservative and liberal ideologies. The reactions highlight a significant aspect of the ongoing cultural war, manifesting an emotional battleground where art, faith, and politics intensely intersect.

VATICAN CITY—Pope Francis made a statement regarding the Olympics at today’s Sunday Angelus—on the “scandal” of war, not the scandal of blasphemy during the opening ceremonies.@HolySeePress Spokesman, Matteo Bruni, has failed to respond to inquiries, despite calls for the… pic.twitter.com/0pY8YSPXxI

— Bree A Dail (@breeadail) July 28, 2024

Hot Button Issue

Online discussions center around terms such as "mockery," "blasphemy," and "disrespect," frequently tied to expressions like "woke agenda," "Satanic," "LGBTQ," and "drag queens."

Americans show significant concern about the erosion of Christian values and traditions in the West, as evidenced by passionate calls for respect and the preservation of these beliefs.

Sentiment Trends

Most reaction are overwhelmingly negative among Christian viewers who perceive the ceremony as an affront to their faith. They express feelings of anger, offense, and sorrow. Specific criticisms point to the blending of religious symbols with what they consider "worldly and demonic ideologies."

Christians view the display as furthering progressive and woke agendas to undermine traditional Christian values. There is also a noticeable call to action within Christian communities, urging members to repent, believe, and stand firm in their faith. Many also committed to boycotting the Olympics.

Interestingly, this outrage is not confined to Christianity. Both Catholic and Protestant communities share in this collective indignation, along with many secular Americans and those who observe other religions.

There are notable criticisms from Catholics directed at Pope Francis for not condemning the act more aggressively. For a segment of the public, this inaction underscores a broader dissatisfaction with the perceived liberal shift in the church hierarchy.

The impact on Christian viewers is significant, leading many to call for boycotts, expressing a sense of alienation and increased vigilance against infringements on their religious values. Christian groups argue such representations indicate the erosion of religious reverence in public spaces, inciting calls for greater advocacy against similar future instances.

Orthodox hierarchs condemn blasphemous Olympics opening
Among the hierarchs who have condemned the blasphemy that was on display for the entire world to see, is Metropolitan Theologos of Serres of the Greek Orthodox Church. Preaching at the Holy Monastery of St. Paraskevi on… pic.twitter.com/aq03UWoNLL

— Robin Monotti (@robinmonotti) July 29, 2024

For non-Christian viewers, reactions appear more varied. Some share the sentiment that freedom of expression should be balanced against respect for religious beliefs. They align with the displeasure of Christian viewers, saying you don’t have to be a Christian to view it as inappropriate.

However, others staunchly defend the portrayal as a form of artistic expression. They emphasize the importance of freedom of speech, regardless of the discomfort it may cause. This group often associates critics of the ceremony with right-wing conservatism, highlighting broader cultural and political divides.

🇮🇷 🇫🇷 Iran says France should be ashamed of itself for its opening ceremony at the Olympics.

"The insulting representation of Jesus Christ in Paris yesterday was completely offensive and crossed all red lines.

France, a country with a major history of Christianity, must be… pic.twitter.com/qHW4FOnqW2

— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) July 28, 2024

The reactions have influenced calls for action from both sides. Christians discuss boycotting Olympics and withdrawing from any associated media outlets, like NBC. They call for prayers, repentance, and a reinvigoration of faith-based activism. In contrast, those defending the ceremony advocate for ongoing support of artistic freedom and cultural progression.

An apparent surge in support, positivity, and engagement for the Kamala Harris presidential campaign is confusing many Americans. Despite media claims that the highly relatable, meme-friendly, and accomplished Vice President is gaining historic levels of support, many voters remain skeptical.

In addition to feeling much of the hype seems insincere, Americans are talking about suspicious media and Democrat efforts to modify public understanding of Harris’s political track record. The discourse reveals a potent blend of ideology, identity politics, and performance in public office fueling public opinion.

Critics debate Kamala Harris’s qualifications and achievements, often within the context of identity politics, questioning whether her gender and race unjustly shield her from criticism or amplify her credentials. Many also skewer the mainstream media for its increasingly obvious hypocrisy in reporting the VP’s accomplishments and embarrassments.

Protective Cover from the Media

Many Americans view Harris's policies and political endeavors as extremely liberal. This perception would likely damage her chances given the majority of Americans do not align with the far, progressive left.

There's also a perception that media outlets are systematically erasing or altering aspects of her record to present a moderated version of her stances. Examples of this include:

• Her position as “Border Czar”
• Her complicity in covering up Biden’s health and reasons for withdrawing
• Her renown as the “most liberal” Senator
• Her support for the Minnesota Freedom Fund
• Whether she was chosen for her accomplishments rather than her identity

Border Czar

The accusations against media outlets began when headlines claimed Kamala Harris was never named “Border Czar” for the Biden administration. Many people pointed out that, until now, everyone agreed and accepted the colloquial title given to her as the administration’s person in charge of the border.

Americans and right leaning journalists criticized the media for walking this back and even retroactively changing pervious reporting. Axios received significant backlash for modifying one of its own articles from 2021, which mention Harris as Border Czar.

CALLED IT. These pathetic Democrat hacks are the most predictably dishonest people on earth. https://t.co/hzft99D9Zg pic.twitter.com/iox1dlRgGR

— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) July 24, 2024

Some also criticized Wikipedia for apparently removing Kamala Harris from the list of historical Border Czars for the U.S.

Update: Wikipedia completely scrubbed Kamala from its executive branch czar page. The Axios article is no longer even listed in the citations. https://t.co/TBF6oHNrHx pic.twitter.com/oCn5Rp0I0h

— James Lynch (@jameslynch32) July 25, 2024

Criticism toward Democrats and the media grew overwhelming when a cue card was leaked which claimed to give the press talking point from the Harris campaign to deny and dismiss Border Czar claims.

Wow.

A Democrat lawmaker confirmed to FOX that Dems have received a piece of paper with talking points/lies about how to discuss Kamala Harris' role at the Southern border.

They are already using the exact lines.https://t.co/CITguKLWCD pic.twitter.com/Bo8pxla61M

— Bobby Burack (@burackbobby_) July 25, 2024

When asked about the cue card, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre claimed to have no knowledge of it. This also generated criticism and backlash from voters who view the current administration as colluding with the media to promote Kamala Harris’s campaign.

JUST IN: Peter Doocy confronts KJP on the now-infamous "talking points" card that tells reporters to deny Kamala Harris was ever appointed "Border Czar."

Let the games begin. 🤣pic.twitter.com/QvfOWZy4a1

— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) July 25, 2024

Most Liberal Senator

GovTrack's also received sharp backlash for deleting its 2019 rating of Harris as the "most liberal senator." This deletion is seen as an attempt by the media to cover up or obscure her true political leanings to make her more palatable to moderate voters.

BREAKING: GovTrack just DELETED their 2019 page that ranked Kamala Harris as THE MOST LIBERAL of all 100 Senators

It would be a shame if we made it viral: pic.twitter.com/Pi6KvngOTh

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) July 24, 2024

Harris critics often label her policies as “communist” and express concerns about her support for open borders, defunding the police, and providing benefits to illegal immigrants. This, people say, is the reason the establishment apparatus is being used to hide her legacy.

Commentary about Kamala’s support for programs such as the Green New Deal, socialized healthcare, and defunding law enforcement positions her even further left than other prominent Democrats, including Bernie Sanders. Most Americans think of these views as dangerously socialist or Marxist and in the minority.

BREAKING: Footage found of VP Kamala Harris supporting DEFUND THE POLICE:

"It's about upending the system"
"We need to look at police budgets"
"More safety with more cops is wrong" pic.twitter.com/0HxUQeov9x

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) July 26, 2024

Minnesota Freedom Fund

There is also controversy around claims asserting or denying Kamala Harris donated or promoted the Minnesota Freedom Fund—which helps bail out protesters. News outlets published headlines denying Harris donated to the fund, also implying she never supported it. This drew an avalanche videos, articles, and posts being shared to debunk the claim.

Reports from the same outlets and reporters in the past said, “Kamala Harris urged people to donate to the fund while it was bailing out protestors. Since then, it’s been posting bail for other offenders, including one who Republicans say committed a murder in downtown St. Paul.”

This might be the most blatant lie I’ve ever seen.

Esme, the author of this article, was literally at our press conference in 2022 on the light rail platform where a man was murdered by a criminal the Minnesota Freedom Fund had bailed out a short time before.

She then aired… https://t.co/hGinFk7DK0 pic.twitter.com/WSHurmPGBy

— Nick Majerus (@njmajerus) July 26, 2024

The reasons for significant negative sentiment toward Harris and the media appear to stem largely from a broader distrust in institutions. There is a growing perception that there are concerted efforts to hide truths about Kamala’s record to help the Democratic Party. This distrust is further exacerbated by a polarized political climate where ideological purity and alignment are heavily scrutinized and often radicalized.

MIG Reports data shows recent online conversations surrounding the assassination attempt on Donald Trump expose skepticism and doubt. This sentiment is largely driven by media reporting about the event, fostering a notable divide in public opinion. The overarching narrative reveals skepticism about the assassination attempt did not originate spontaneously but was significantly influenced by critical media coverage.

Top Topics

People are talking about revelations about the reluctance of the U.S. Secret Service to utilize drones for security. These allegations came to light through sources like Sen. Josh Hawley's whistleblower revelations. Discussions often center around why the Secret Service neglected to employ available drone technology, even after offers from local law enforcement.

People conclude this massive error allowed the assailant to fly his own drone over the venue, several hours prior to the rally. This aspect has given rise to various theories questioning the competence and motives of the Secret Service, leading to accusations of a deliberate stand-down.

Another prominent theme is the political alignment and social media activity of the would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks. Public discourse fixates on contrasting the portrayal of Crooks’s alleged pro-Biden stance with media suggestions that he may have been a Trump supporter—or at least a Republican. Many people say media bias is skewing coverage, highlighting or downplaying these affiliations based on the narrative they prefer.

Trending Sentiment

There are some who firmly believe in a deeply entrenched conspiracy. This is fueled by consistent Democrat and media skepticism and speculations that the event may have been an inside job or an act of negligence. Those who believe this express a sense of betrayal and frustration with government and media, often citing broader political conspiracies and failures of governmental institutions.

Other groups of voters express outright disbelief, deeming the assassination attempt as exaggerated or fabricated entirely. This skepticism is amplified by the FBI's statements questioning whether Trump was actually struck by a bullet or by shrapnel. These allegations further muddy the waters and feed theories of false flags or setups.

Many accuse the media of perpetuating theories that Trump was not hit by a bullet. This insistence on questioning something that many Americans saw with their own eyes further erodes trust, especially when people point out that Corey Comperatore lost his life.

Prominent keywords in these discussions include "drone technology," "whistleblower," "Secret Service," "leftist," "Biden support," and "media bias." The sustained mention of these terms indicates a profound preoccupation with the operational failures, perceived political motivations, and the credibility of media reporting.

Public sentiment is colored by distrust towards both the media and the government agencies involved. Many believe there's a concerted effort to obscure the truth, whether through deliberate action or systemic incompetence.

The skepticism surrounding the assassination attempt on Donald Trump owes much of its intensity to how media coverage has shaped the narrative. By framing the event with questioning tones and highlighting inconsistencies and failures in security measures, the media has inadvertently or otherwise, sown seeds of doubt and fostered a climate ripe for conspiracy theories.

MIG Reports data shows American perceptions of Vice President Kamala Harris’s economy as like Joe Biden’s, especially on inflation. Public sentiment about Harris as a potential president is negative based on her association with the Inflation Reduction Act and the broader economic conditions under the Biden administration.

Inflation Reduction Act Revisionism

Kamala Harris was the tie-breaking vote in the Senate to help pass the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. President Joe Biden, along with numerous economists, have since made it clear the Act didn’t address Inflation. More accurately, it was a government spending bill.

Several mainstream media articles even address this, including AP News. When people discuss Kamala Harris and inflation, they criticize the Inflation Reduction Act, decry record high prices and the cost of prescription drugs.

Public discourse frequently highlights Harris's efforts to build up the middle class. However, many attribute the 20.1%+ overall price hike and record high gas prices to her tenure as vice president. There is prevalent criticism that Harris has overseen the decimation of the American Dream.

Despite historical negativity and criticism for her economic record, Harris has enjoyed a sentiment boost in the last couple of days, likely due to coordinated fawning and revisionism by the media to rehabilitate her policy record.

False Support or Dismissal?

Conversations that increase Harris's sentiment often center on touted accomplishments alongside Biden like the Inflation Reduction Act. Despite evidence to the contrary, many supporters still praise them for decreasing costs for families, lowering prescription drug prices, and making historic investments in clean energy jobs and manufacturing.

Harris advocates say these measures demonstrate her efficacy in legislative processes and her capability in executive functions. They say this increases their confidence in her potential presidency. However, these discussions seem based on tribal loyalism as opposed to direct discussion of the Act.

Some on the right speculate that voter support is being astroturfed by biased media and Democratic leaders. They say establishment “machines,” which include the White House press team and mainstream media, are attempting to prop up Kamala Harris by lying about her track record.

Sentiment toward Harris decreases significantly when people consider the negative impacts of inflation directly. High prices, low savings rates, and a general sense of economic decline put many voters on edge. Criticism often revolves around the feeling that Harris, along with Biden, failed to adequately address or prevent these economic challenges, leading many to doubt her competency in managing the economy.

Critics closely associate Harris with unpopular aspects of Biden's administration, such as weak global leadership and failure to address critical domestic issues. Many voters believe Harris would be an extension of Biden’s flaws, citing her role as "Enabler in Chief" and highlighting her record during her time as District Attorney and Attorney General in California as indicative of her inadequacy in future leadership.

Fluff Over Substance

Discussion trends show the public is simply not having the same discussions across the aisle or compared to media discourse. Supporters are vague in their endorsements, leaving room frame Harris’s role in passing progressive legislation as a positive, regardless of specifics. They focus broadly on her stance on issues like reproductive rights, voting rights, and clean energy investments, seeing her as a champion for significant and needed reforms.

Detractors, however, cite specific examples of Harris’s failures and hypocrisies. They emphasize economic difficulties caused by the Biden-Harris administration, the border crisis, and her general alignment with the Biden administration’s less popular policies.

Views of Joe Biden in the wake of his withdrawal from the presidential race is complicated with a mix of relief, sympathy, and anger. Most Americans seem to believe Biden's decision to withdraw from the race is due to his declining health and perceived cognitive challenges, though opinions vary widely. Reactions to his Oval Office address, which did not clarify the issue, do not show a change in public opinion.

The Mask is Off About Biden’s Health

Online conversations about Biden mostly revolve around his health, with many people citing dementia, Parkinson’s, and COVID as concerns. These worries are aggravated by perceptions about how the Democratic establishment handled his withdrawal. Many feel Democrats are clearing Biden and other potential challengers out, manipulating the election process.

There is also a strong belief that circumstances just prior to Biden’s withdrawal, and some after, have been orchestrated to mask his condition. References to Biden's cognitive decline are rampant, with strong criticisms directed at Democratic leaders for not allowing his weaknesses to be questioned or observed much earlier.

Discontent About Kamala’s Nomination

The sudden and rapid replacement of Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s heroine and nominee apparent has also shocked many Americans. This reaction is not exclusive to Republicans, different factions within the Democratic Party also express grave concerns.

There is an odd sense of confusion over Democrats and media completely sidelining Biden in favor of Harris, despite his plan to finish his term in office. Voters express a mix of sympathy for Joe Biden as an aging old man and anger at his handlers and family. Others express anger at Biden himself for allowing himself to be put in such a position—however, most ire seems directed at Party leadership.

Kamala Harris is coming under scrutiny for being complicit in covering up Biden’s health. Sentiments about Harris taking over the presidential nomination carry a distinctly negative tone, accusing her of participating in a coup to oust Biden.

Unhelpful Oval Office Address

Biden's recent Oval Office address, meant to clarify his intentions and reassure the public, has only created more confusion and anger. Most observers feel the address offered no substantial answers and failed to address the root concerns about leadership, ideology, and the future direction of the Democratic Party.

The public perceives the address as offensively insufficient, leading to further frustration and a growing sense of distrust. There is a feeling of disrespect toward the American people, particularly concerning the president’s disregard for democratic processes.

Intra-party disagreement and disarray in the Democratic Party adds another layer to the public’s reaction. Even members of the voter base, notably from the Black Lives Matter movement, criticize the DNC for sidelining Biden through dubious means.

Accusations include the refusal to allow genuine appearances and interactions with Joe Biden in public, altering schedules without explanation, and ultimately forcing him out post-primary. Many voters on both sides view Democrat leaders as ushering in a new candidate without proper voter engagement.

Republicans Call it a Shadow Presidency

Most Republicans believe Biden has clear signs of cognitive decline, often sharing his public gaffes, mental lapses, and shuffling, elderly demeanor as evidence. People frequently use the term "unfit" about his capability to fulfill presidential duties. Many Republicans also argue that, if Biden is unable to campaign for a second term, he’s equally unable to serve the remainder of his term.

Voters on the right often suggest the 25th Amendment should be used against Biden, who they believe is clearly not in control of the county. These Americans express outrage that the White House and Democratic leaders are unwilling to admit Biden is not capable of executing his duties. There is also anger that leadership will not speak transparently about who is running the country.

Republicans suspect Biden is a figurehead, with decisions being made by a communist shadow government or the far-left wing of the Democratic Party. There are suggestions that Biden’s presidency is a continuation of Obama’s policies, calling it "Obama’s third term." People accuse high-profile Democratic figures like Jill Biden and former President Barack Obama of orchestrating Biden’s moves behind the scenes.

Democrats Still Praise Biden

Many Democrats still defend Joe Biden's presidency, believing he is actively fulfilling his role. They focus on his policy achievements such as making gender medical transition more accessible to minors and supporting Black Lives Matter (BLM) advocacy.

While there is recognition of Biden’s age, many Democrats view his experience as an asset, not a liability. Public conversations within the Democratic sphere often revolve around ideological alignment with Biden’s policies, underscoring a belief in progressive values.

Post-debate and following Biden’s withdrawal from the race, more Democrats are acknowledging the poor state of his health and mental capacity. However, they also say criticism of Biden's health is exaggerated and politically motivated.

However, even among Democrats, there is not unanimous support. The factions of Democratic voters who view Joe Biden as incapacitated by illness or old age also tend to be the ones who express anger at Party leadership for undemocratic practices.

Critical terms like “Party elites” and “billionaire donors” illustrate frustration over perceived undemocratic maneuvers within the party. This internal critique indicates a sentiment that progressive ideals are sometimes compromised by the party’s political strategies.

American views of DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas currently revolve around the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. Online conversations reflect an intense scrutiny of the Secret Service's role in security failures and raise numerous concerns about potential cover-ups by federal agencies. Public sentiment strongly centers on accountability and transparency, primarily driven by a deeper distrust of government institutions.

There is a pervasive belief that Cheatle’s resignation is a move orchestrated to protect Mayorkas. Many voice skepticism and outrage over the perceived manipulation and mishandling of investigations related to the assassination attempt.

Trending Discussions

Voters demand more transparency and accountability from both the Secret Service, DHS, and the FBI. There is a significant emphasis on obtaining access to various forms of communications—radio, text, and emails—as well as forensic evidence. People want answers about shell casing locations and weapon descriptions. Witness statements, social media activity, and cell phone data from the shooter are also highly sought after by the public.

Many see Director Cheatle’s resignation as part of a larger "cover-up" to protect higher-ups, most notably Alejandro Mayorkas. Discussion frequently mentions deleted Secret Service text messages from January 6, which heightens suspicions of ulterior motives and hidden truths.

There is a persistent belief that Mayorkas or other leaders denied essential resources and support which could have prevented the assassination attempt, lending credence to conspiracy theories perpetuated by the public.

Sentiment Trends

Voter sentiment toward Alejandro Mayorkas is overwhelmingly negative, driven by accusations multi-agency conspiracies against Donald Trump. The public feels strongly that Mayorkas, Cheatle, and others should be held accountable. There are calls for their arrests and charges for accessories to attempted murder.

This intense scrutiny is exacerbated by fresh revelations in media reports, such as inconsistencies in statements from the Secret Service and Mayorkas’ office. These inconsistencies further fuels distrust toward investigators and leaders.

There are also claim from the founder of the social media platform Gab, that the shooter may have had a Gab account on which he posted support for Biden. This contradicts media and Democrat narratives denying that the shooter had a social media presence.

🚨Approximately 30 minutes ago, Gab learned that Thomas Crooks, the deranged Joe Biden supporter who attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump, may have had an account on our platform. We are unable to confirm that the account in question actually belonged to him.

The… pic.twitter.com/BcJrZJ4Yhk

— Andrew Torba (@BasedTorba) July 24, 2024

Sentiment trends indicate a profoundly polarized environment, with discussions frequently boiling over into demands for impeachment and broader political consequences. Furthermore, the public's reaction underscores a boiling distrust in government institutions and a belief that significant conspiracies are regularly hidden from view.

Impact on Voters

With these scandals and growing distrust, undecided voters in swing states and nationally may play a decisive role in the election. The way this situation unfolds and how it is handled could influence voter perceptions of the current administration's integrity and competence.

Critical voter groups will inevitably look to how the government addresses these accusations. A perceived cover-up or failure to transparently address the assassination attempt on Donald Trump could sway votes towards him. Especially if he continues to promise accountability and transparency.

Online discussions about Vice President Kamala Harris and her role as “Border Czar” under President Joe Biden is notably critical and with widespread disapproval. The public prominently questions her efficacy and commitment to addressing the complex issues at the southern border, often emphasizing her lack of communication with top Border Patrol officials like Jason Owens and Raul Ortiz. This perceived neglect fuels a narrative of incompetence and inaction.

What People Are Saying

Top topics in these conversations include illegal immigration, crime rates associated with migrant populations, and the economic or social impacts of border policies. Words and phrases such as "illegal immigrants," "cartels," "border crisis," and "fentanyl deaths" frequently surface, underscoring the public's focus on security threats and their repercussions on American communities.

The narrative also revisits Harris's past comments from 2019, where she dismissed the idea of a border crisis. This exacerbates the current sentiment that she is detached from the reality on the ground.

The Trump campaign’s efforts to spotlight Harris's border record drive many recent conversations. Trump’s calls with influencers like Border Patrol Union Presidents Brandon Judd and Paul Perez reinforce the critique of Harris as Border Czar. Recent Trump PAC advertisements Biden-Harris border failures, highlighting comments from Harris supporting decriminalizing illegal immigration and abolishing ICE.

Media Try to Change the Narrative

Many Americans, who are already disillusioned with the mainstream media, are pointing out rushed attempts to change Harris’s border narrative. Outlets are now claiming that Biden never appointed Harris as “Border Czar,” despite the very same outlets reporting on in at the time.

CALLED IT. These pathetic Democrat hacks are the most predictably dishonest people on earth. https://t.co/hzft99D9Zg pic.twitter.com/iox1dlRgGR

— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) July 24, 2024

Axios in particular is facing severe backlash for retroactively correcting its own reporting calling Harris Border Czar. People rip Axios and other mainstream outlets attempting to walk back their own reporting in efforts to improve Harris’s image. Voters, especially on the right, accuse mainstream media of shaping politicized narrative and lying to Americans.

Journalists were calling Kamala the border czar until like five minutes ago. Don't let the media gaslight you. pic.twitter.com/oveoFcBn4G

— Bill D'Agostino (@Banned_Bill) July 24, 2024

Sentiment Trends

Voters mostly feel Harris’s tenure as a failure. They attribute severe consequences like increased crime, profit gains for cartels, and widespread fentanyl deaths to her Border Czar policies. The criticism intensifies with claims of Harris's policies harming Special Education services due to resource strains caused by illegal immigration.

If the critical sentiment towards Harris solidifies among undecided voters, it is likely to hurt her presidential campaign given border security is a high-priority issue.