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National news publications conduct polls and focus groups on numerous matters of public interest. A presidential election year, and the lead up to it, usually produces many reports of opinions of likely voters. Some of the findings relative to what voters know or believe, reported in various publications which I have read over the past several months, are quite disturbing. The findings lead me to believe that many voters are disconnected from reality.
For example, in an article by Jonathan V. Last, reprinted in The Week (November 23, 2023), a Bulwark-organized focus group of swing voters revealed that most participants "parroted right-wing criticisms of President Biden." Moreover, beliefs regarding measurable aspects of our country's condition were in vast conflict with factual evidence. Beliefs expressed about the economy, inflation, unemployment, workers' wage gains, household wealth and other measures often were far removed from the real facts.
In a more recent analysis of voter beliefs reported by Will Bunch in the Philadelphia Inquirer and reprinted in The Week (June 21, 2024), 17 per cent of voters blame President Biden for overturning "Roe v. Wade," when it was Trump appointees to the U.S. Supreme Court who were responsible. Another 49 per cent believed unemployment is at a 50-year high, when it really is at a 50-year low. Also reported was that 76 per cent of Americans know little or nothing about "Project 2025," the 900-page treatise spelling out the details of a Trump dictatorship should he elected president.
When so many voters are so uninformed or misinformed, our democracy is in jeopardy. If you don't believe this is likely, listen to Trump's "rally rhetoric." He has little regard for the truth. He tells his supporters what they like to hear, misinforming them by given them an often faulty take on an issue. His spokesman and coach, Steven Cheung, adds aggressive language to Trump's rally bluster. It is cutting and insulting, and results from his and Trump's love of combat sports, which the MAGA crowd loves, too. There is little or no concern for truth or facts. For example, he was credited with 28 lies in the recent nationally televised debate. Is that what we can expect from the White House in 2025, should Trump be elected, more blustery falsehoods? I hope not. Americans deserve truth and straightforward communications from their president.
OSCAR KNADE
Montoursville
Submitted by Virtual Newsroom