In the run-up to the 2016 elections, one of the things that was remarked upon was all of the free publicity that trump was getting from the networks because of his celebrity status and the can’t-look-away-from-the-train-wreck-debacle that he has embraced in every public appearance. Well, here we go again. Only this time I notice that CNN at least is being much more aggressive in the fact checking department, going so far as to split screen graphics with debunking bulletpoints, and going directly to evidence (such as the IG today saying the whistleblower complaint does align with the transcripts, despite what trump said this morning) when they have it that can prove the blatant bullshit that is constantly mouth-sharting out of trumps hole.
Here’s my problem with this.
First and foremost, we know that the 20-25% who identify as trump supporters don’t care, don’t want to know, and will vote for him no matter what. This is a given, and you can’t change it.
So I wonder about the remainder. I imagine there’s a 20-25% group who would not vote for trump no matter what. Not even if aliens invaded and we needed to rally behind somebody. I’m in that group. But the truth is that this is where we have been since 1776. There is a core with one worldview, and a core with an opposite worldview. Back then, key individuals managed to bury their differences long enough to provide us with the framework of the constitution, which although it’s shown some cracks over the years, is a pretty amazing accomplishment.
There are facts about human nature that we cannot escape. Goebbels knew a great deal about it, and how if you repeat a lie often enough it will outlast the truth, and the trump campaign has spent the last 3 years laying the groundwork of “fake news” so they have a ready made exit strategy. Not that it’s true, not that there’s any “facts” there, and never mind that CNN now is fighting back, there’s a portion of the population for whom the damage has been done, and is continuing, with respect to having sown the seeds of doubt in them about the news media. And these are not trumps base, these are above and beyond that.
If 40-50% of us are already decided, that’s means that the results of this upcoming election lie with the remaining 50-60%. I’m spitballing here, and this portion of my post is purely conjecture, which I freely admit, but of that remaining 50-60% it would make sense to me, that 20-25% is also divided to one side or the other, but not for the same reasons, not as dedicated, and open to voting one way or the other, although their inherent lean is predetermined by culture, geography, etc. (Although one would think the last 3 years were compelling enough, this is about the propaganda that the trumps use, and the thoughtless advocacy that free publicity ends up being in that situation) That means that really, this election will be decided by some 10% of the remaining voters.
So I like what CNN is doing with fact checking, I like their introduction of ads with the apple/banana touting their dedication, but I wonder if it’s not going to end up with the same result as last time? Not that they are going to avoid covering him, that too would be irresponsible, but I don’t see any clear solution here.
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