Trump's 2024 victory was significant because it marked a shift in public perception of voting integrity. After years of skepticism about rigged elections, the clear and decisive win demonstrated that voting still works, at least in large-scale elections.
The media consistently portrayed Trump as a right-wing authoritarian, comparing him to figures like Mussolini, Stalin, and Hitler, despite his actual behavior as president. This hyperbolic coverage, which ignored positive aspects of his administration like economic growth and avoiding new wars, contributed to a narrative that was divorced from reality.
Trump faced significant challenges in his first term, including navigating thousands of appointments and trusting advisors he didn't know. He also struggled with weeding out those who were not truthful or were just trying to maintain the status quo, which bogged down his administration.
Despite Trump's polarizing rhetoric, his actions as president, such as improving the economy and avoiding new conflicts, aligned with the interests of many Americans. His messaging, though controversial, resonated with those who felt the system was rigged against them.
The corporate media's relentless coverage of Trump's 2020 loss, including false claims of a stolen election and baseless allegations of fraud, undermined their credibility. This gaslighting, combined with the exposure of Russiagate as a hoax, made many skeptical of mainstream media narratives.
Social media and alternative news sources played a crucial role by providing platforms for diverse perspectives and breaking news that the mainstream media often ignored. This allowed for more informed public discourse and challenged the monopoly of corporate media narratives.
The decline in protests against Trump in 2024 can be attributed to several factors, including the realization that his presidency was not as authoritarian as portrayed, the fatigue from constant activism, and the shift in focus to other global issues like the Israel-Gaza war.
The corporate media's approach to covering Trump evolved from treating him as a potential authoritarian threat to a more nuanced understanding of his policies and impact. However, this shift was often slow and inconsistent, reflecting the media's struggle to balance sensationalism with factual reporting.
Trump's 2024 victory mandate included key policy areas such as immigration control, ending unnecessary foreign wars, improving the economy, and addressing inflation. These areas were seen as critical to addressing the concerns of his supporters.
The corporate media's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including promoting misinformation and censoring dissenting views, severely damaged their credibility. The public's growing awareness of these tactics led to a decline in trust and a rise in alternative news sources.
Dave Smith is a stand-up comedian, libertarian political commentator, and podcaster. He's the host of the "Part of the Problem" podcast, as well as a co-host of the "Legion of Skanks” podcast.
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