Does Trump Not Know That Hitler’s Generals Tried to Kill Him?
Oct 25, 2024
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Geoffrey Fowler, a Washington Post tech columnist, discusses Meta's shadowban on political content and its dangers for democracy. Denny Carter, founder of the Bad Faith Times, draws a clever comparison between NFL quarterback dynamics and this year's presidential race. The conversation dives into the rise of authoritarianism in America, the challenges of media influence, and the disconnect between polling data and grassroots sentiment. It's an engaging mix of political insights and cultural commentary!
The podcast discusses how Donald Trump's perceived authoritarian tendencies have alarmingly gained acceptance among a significant number of voters in America.
Meta's deliberate suppression of political content on its platforms is raising serious concerns about democratic engagement and the public's access to crucial political information.
The contrasting campaigning strategies of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump highlight their differing approaches, with Harris showing optimism while Trump appears increasingly desperate.
Deep dives
Meta's Political Content Suppression
Instagram and Facebook are suppressing political posts as part of Meta's new strategy. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has indicated a desire to step away from politics, leading to a significant decline in the visibility of political content on these platforms. Reports highlight that when users post political content, such as the word 'vote', their reach can drop by over 60%. This suppression raises concerns about the impact on democracy, as it limits users' exposure to vital political discussions and information critical for informed voting.
Fascism and the Upcoming Election
The discussions surrounding Donald Trump's political character point to an alarming acceptance of fascism among a significant portion of the electorate. The former Trump chief of staff John Kelly’s remarks labeling Trump as a fascist align with rising calls to recognize the authoritarian tendencies in his leadership style. Kamala Harris's acknowledgment of these sentiments during public appearances further emphasizes that this political climate is becoming increasingly toxic. Many voters seem to shrug off the gravity of this reality, raising the stakes for the upcoming elections.
The Misleading Nature of Polls
Recent polling data suggests a close race for the presidency, but the accuracy of these polls is under fire. Critics argue that many polling firms affiliated with the Republican Party manipulate data to create an illusion of a competitive race. These strategic oversights can mislead voters and dampen enthusiasm within the Democratic base, especially during crucial election periods. The reliance on flawed polling could also shift attention from critical issues that impact voters’ decisions.
The Dynamics of Campaigning
As the election nears, the contrasting campaigning styles of candidates highlight their positioning. Kamala Harris appears to be optimistic and strategic in her outreach, while Donald Trump showcases desperation in his campaign tactics. The candidates' rally dynamics suggest that Harris’s campaign continues to find traction among voters, while Trump seems to be retreating to traditional strongholds. This trend indicates a significant psychological and strategic advantage for Harris as the race intensifies.
The Role of Media and Editorial Freedom
Editorial independence in journalism is at risk, as demonstrated by the recent actions of Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times, who blocked the publication's endorsement of Kamala Harris. This decision was met with backlash and resulted in the resignation of an editorial leader, who emphasized the necessity of standing up in dangerous political times. The ramifications of such actions extend beyond one publication, as they signal a broader trend of media manipulation that could undermine public discourse. The integrity of free press is crucial in a democratic society, making these developments particularly concerning.
The New Abnormal’s Danielle Moodie and Andy Levy are baffled. Donald Trump meets the definition of a fascist, would govern like a dictator if allowed to, and seemingly has no understanding of the concept of rule of law. So why are so many Americans still intent on voting for him? Also on the pod this week: Geoffrey Fowler, a Washington Post journalist, who talks about Meta’s covert operation to shadowban political content. Plus! Denny Carter, the founder of the Bad Faith Times, who has an astute comparison to draw between an NFL quarterback and this year’s presidential election.
