Post-presidential election, we’ve seen manifestations of denial and conspiracy brewing, mostly courtesy of some media outlets. The right-wing spheres have been a reproducing ground for conspiracy theories concerning the voting process. However, a similar paranoia seems to latch onto followers of Vice President Kamala Harris, continuing to extend its unwarranted tentacles.
NewsGuard, an entity that keeps an eye on false information, tracked down close to 800 social media profiles and video platforms disseminating misleading or patently false statements regarding the 2024 elections. From Sep 1, over 960 dubious websites and approximately 1,200 ‘partisan sites masquerading as politically neutral local news outlets’ have been discovered peddling false narratives.
Duplicity doesn’t discriminate, as NewsGuard reveals that the fabrication appears across the political spectrum. Where Democrats claimed victories, for instance, in the U.S. Senate’s election in Wisconsin, Republicans were quick to point out so-called ‘irregularities’ in the vote count. Equally dubious were claims from Democrats insinuating that Trump’s victory had been manipulated using a satellite internet provider—a baseless claim, indeed.
NBC News uncovered numerous video and post that have indulged in the propagation of these election denial conspiracies, reaching an audience of over 10 million. NewsGuard reiterated its stance, asserting the lack of any evidence indicating that a satellite internet provider meddled with the presidential election.
Given that electoral systems operate independently and are not interlinked, the allegation that a satellite internet provider interfered with the vote counts holds no water.
Max Read, from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue studying extremism and disinformation, noted that the post-election refusals appearing from the left are a significant attempt to challenge or undermine the election. This process is unlike anything he’s previously encountered from that political constituency.
Republicans running for office openly peddle election conspiracies, a trend that does not show equivalent levels of infiltration or support among the left. A few left-leaning influencers are engaging in the undermining of the 2024 election, their reach and networking strength are simply not on par. Not to forget the explosive and violent rhetoric that conservative voters’ denialist movements have adopted since 2020, a trait absent on the liberal side.
NewsGuard stated that the left-wing accounts that spread incorrect election data are relatively unknown compared to those accounts contributing to misinformation post-2020 presidential elections, where mainstream figures were instrumental in turning conspiracy theories viral. Interestingly, it also suggested that these theories emerging from the left have gifted right-wing accounts another avenue to revive past election myths.
NewsGuard drew attention to a statement made by Jen Easterly, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s director. Easterly addressed the swarm of election conspiracy theories, stating emphatically that her agency found no evidence to support any malicious activities that might have compromised the security or integrity of our election infrastructure.
The morning of Nov. 6 saw an update on the ActBlue PAC’s website declaring that a portion of the funds would be allotted to the ‘President’s Recount Account.’ A party representative, however, stated that all the funds received by the Harris Victory Fund were going to the DNC. This contradictory language used to appeal for funds has, perhaps unintentionally, fueled some of the conspiracy theories related to the election outcomes.
NewsGuard added that fluctuations in vote totals for individual contests on the same ballot are expected in every election and don’t inherently point to fraud or issues with voting technology.
The FBI also made a public statement acknowledging the spread of election disinformation. They directly addressed a falsified video claiming that the FBI had received ‘9,000 complaints about malfunctioning voting machines.’ This claim was promptly denounced by the Agency as false.
All these ongoing peddlings of election conspiracy theories appear to be rife in the realm of social media, where most soils seem fertile for the spreading of deep-rooted misinformation. It remains indispensable to keep a discerning eye on the information we consume and share.
While Kamala Harris’ supporters dabble in denialism, it’s crucial to remember that the facts don’t support this path. The mere existence of these theories, despite their baselessness, provides a regrettably effective means of muddying political waters and tarnishing reputations.
At the same time, it’s equally important to distinguish between individual influencers and the overarching ideology of a political party. An influencer indulging in conspiracy theories doesn’t necessarily reflect the beliefs of all left-leaning individuals.