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America's Info Inferno
Disinformation and propaganda, the two primary tools that Trump and his allies wield, are potent weapons that can have enormous effect when deployed on a vulnerable populace.
Oliver Darcy
November 05, 2024
Donald Trump. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
America is stricken with a crippling affliction.
Whatever the results of the 2024 contest, the mere fact that a race featuring an aspiring autocrat, who incited a violent insurrection after bitterly losing the last election, can be in such a dead heat is a damning indictment of the country's information environment.
Half of the country remains locked inside a safe space stuffed with carnival mirrors that distort reality beyond recognition. In this space, Donald Trump is not a convicted felon who threatens to jail critics and shred the U.S. Constitution. It is Kamala Harris and the Democrats who abuse power for their own ends and supposedly harbor hatred in their hearts for the American way of life.
For many who reside in the real world, it can be confusing to understand how millions of people can hold such a warped view of the world. These are neighbors, friends, and family. They're not bad people. And yet, they support a candidate who has done — and promises to do — some very bad things.
The reality is that disinformation and propaganda, the two primary tools that Trump and his allies wield, are potent weapons that can have enormous effect when deployed on a vulnerable populace. These tools have been used in an effort to…
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Decision 2024
What are America’s journalists thinking on this Election Day? Status asked several prominent industry figures what has been top of mind as voters head to the polls. Below are some of the responses we received.
"I'm feeling utter dread. It’s like when you know something terrible is going to happen but there’s nothing to do to stop it." "This nation is teetering on the edge of an historic crisis as Americans just might choose authoritarianism over democracy in this country. I think serious questions can be raised as to why so many in the press simply failed to warn the public of the danger that may await us all on the other side of this election." “We'll know faster than people think — before evening news on Wednesday.” “If we know by Wednesday morning who won, it will be fortunate for all involved.” “I’m thinking that there is not a person alive who knows how tonight will turn out. I also think the networks and the AP will announce a winner long before 11:25am on Saturday. I bet by Wednesday midday.” “Whatever the result, I just pray everyone stays safe.”
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