The Right is Still Pushing Election Denial — and Pillows
Aug 8, 2024
auto_awesome
Donie O’Sullivan, a CNN correspondent making waves with his documentary on election deniers, joins political analyst Leah Feiger and reporter David Gilbert. They dive into the tactics of well-funded far-right activists that fuel election denialism, exploring how social media amplifies these conspiracy theories. The discussion highlights the intimidation of voters and the alarming implications for electoral integrity. With a mix of serious analysis and humorous takes on odd conspiracy theories, the conversation uncovers the darker side of political discourse.
The election denial movement, propelled by well-funded far-right activists, continues to thrive, posing risks to electoral integrity and public safety.
Alternative social media platforms have enabled conspiracy theorists to disseminate misinformation unchecked, significantly amplifying their influence ahead of the 2024 elections.
Deep dives
Persistence of Election Denial
A significant number of Americans continue to believe in the false narrative that the 2020 election was stolen, with recent polls indicating that over a third of the population holds this conviction. Despite numerous lawsuits and audits failing to provide evidence of widespread voter fraud, the persistence of conspiratorial messaging permeates the media consumed by these believers. This ongoing disinformation campaign is fueled by a network of far-right activist groups that have become better organized and funded as they prepare for the upcoming 2024 election. The voices behind this movement, such as Mike Lindell, have adapted by establishing their own platforms for communication, ensuring that their narratives remain omnipresent and are continuously reinforced among their followers.
Rise of Alternative Platforms
The landscape of election denialism has evolved, particularly after major social media platforms removed key figures associated with these conspiracies. This shift has propelled deniers towards alternative platforms such as Truth Social, Telegram, and Rumble, which cater specifically to far-right audiences. On these platforms, influencers and conspiracy theorists can proliferate their content without the constraints of mainstream oversight, fostering an environment ripe for misinformation. This decentralization has created a robust network that, while smaller in individual followings, benefits from cross-promotional tactics that amplify their reach and influence.
Election Worker Threats and Violence
The prior election cycles have seen a detrimental impact on election workers, many of whom have faced harassment and threats due to the climate of distrust surrounding the electoral process. As conspiracy theories continue to proliferate, there is concern that these threats might escalate into actual violence, especially during the upcoming elections. Many election officials are leaving their roles, which risks filling crucial positions with individuals who may harbor election denial beliefs themselves. The potential for chaos looms as grassroots movements are mobilizing with a heightened sense of empowerment among those inspired by conspiracy theories.
Consequences of Trump Losing
There is an alarming sentiment among supporters that if Trump were to lose the 2024 election, it would only be due to fraudulent activities, potentially inciting violence and chaos. Many expect that such a loss could trigger confrontations, reminiscent of the January 6 insurrection, as they believe the narrative of a stolen election would only gain traction. Moreover, established networks of activists are prepared to respond to perceived wrongdoings at polling locations, increasing the risk of conflict on election day. This heightened level of organization and belief in a rigged system raises serious concerns regarding public safety and the integrity of the electoral process.
The election denial movement lives on, thanks in part to the efforts of well-funded and well-organized far-right activists. Today on the show, CNN correspondent Donie O’Sullivan joins Wired Politics Lab to talk about his forthcoming documentary examining election deniers’ new tactics, and what happens after the November vote.
Leah Feiger is @LeahFeiger. David Gilbert is @DaithaiGilbert. Donie O’Sullivan is @Donie. Write to us at politicslab@WIRED.com. Be sure to subscribe to the WIRED Politics Lab newsletter here.