The Media’s Role in Shaping Public Opinion: How the Democrats Destroyed Democracy
The Media’s Role in Shaping Public Opinion: How the Democrats Destroyed Democracy
In the lead-up to the 2024 election, the Democrat Party has positioned itself as the self-proclaimed “savior of democracy.” But behind this facade lies a troubling reality: the very party that claims to protect democracy has taken steps to undermine it. A prime example of this is how Kamala Harris, once a zero-support candidate, was transformed by party elites and the mainstream media into the “only one” who could beat Donald Trump—without the American people ever having a say in the matter.
The Elimination of the Democratic Process
The Democratic Party’s decision to bypass the traditional primary process in favor of appointing Kamala Harris as their candidate is nothing short of a direct assault on the democratic process. Historically, primaries have been the cornerstone of American democracy, allowing voters to choose their preferred candidates through a transparent and competitive process. But in a move that has shocked many, the Democrats have effectively eliminated this process, handing the reins of power to party elites who appointed Harris without any input from the electorate.
1. The Appointment of Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris’s initial run for the presidency in 2020 was lackluster, to say the least. She dropped out of the race before the primaries even began, unable to garner significant support from voters. Her campaign was marked by inconsistent messaging and an inability to connect with the Democratic base. Yet, when Joe Biden was pushed out of the race, the Democratic elites decided to appoint Harris as the party’s nominee, bypassing the will of the people.
2. The Media’s Role in Rewriting the Narrative
Once Harris was selected by the party’s elites, the mainstream media went into overdrive, rebranding her as the “savior of democracy.” Overnight, the media transformed her from a failed candidate into the Democrats’ best hope for defeating Donald Trump. The media’s relentless promotion of Harris, coupled with their dismissal of her previous failures, is a textbook example of how public opinion can be manipulated to serve the interests of the powerful.
The Mechanics of Media Manipulation
The sudden and dramatic shift in how Kamala Harris was portrayed is not just a coincidence—it’s a deliberate strategy designed to manipulate public perception. Here’s how the process works:
1. Agenda-Setting
By choosing to elevate Kamala Harris and downplay her previous shortcomings, the media set the agenda for public discourse. The narrative shifted from her failure to gain traction in the primaries to her supposed strength as a candidate who could unite the nation and defeat Trump. This agenda-setting effectively told the public what to think and what to care about.
2. Framing
The framing of Harris’s candidacy was carefully crafted to present her in the best possible light. The media emphasized her identity as a groundbreaking candidate—the first Black and South Asian woman to be nominated by a major party—while ignoring or minimizing her political vulnerabilities. This selective framing helped to reshape her public image and make her more appealing to voters.
3. Priming
Through constant repetition, the media primed the public to view Harris as the logical and inevitable choice for the Democratic nomination. By associating her candidacy with themes of progress, unity, and the fight against Trump, the media made it more likely that voters would accept her as the best candidate, despite the lack of a primary process to validate that choice.
The Democrat Party’s Destruction of Democracy
The actions of the Democratic Party and their media allies raise serious questions about the future of American democracy. By eliminating the primary process and allowing party elites to appoint their preferred candidate, the Democrats have set a dangerous precedent. If the party can ignore the will of the people once, what’s to stop them from doing it again?
1. The Erosion of Voter Choice
The primary process exists to give voters a voice in selecting their party’s candidate. By bypassing this process, the Democratic Party has effectively silenced the voices of millions of Americans. This erosion of voter choice is a direct threat to the principles of democracy and raises concerns about the legitimacy of the election process.
2. The Precedent Set for Future Elections
Now that the Democrats have established a precedent for bypassing the primary process, it’s worth asking: Will they do it again? The elimination of the primary is not just a one-time event—it’s a potential shift in how future elections are conducted. If party elites can handpick candidates without input from the voters, what does that mean for the future of American democracy?
3. The Role of Media in Supporting Authoritarian Practices
The media’s complicity in this process is equally troubling. By supporting the Democratic Party’s decision and promoting their appointed candidate, the media has played a key role in undermining the democratic process. Rather than holding power accountable, the media has become an enabler of authoritarian practices, raising serious questions about its role in a free society.
The Democrat Party’s decision to bypass the primary process and appoint Kamala Harris as their candidate, coupled with the media’s aggressive promotion of her candidacy, represents a significant step backward for American democracy. The very party that claims to be the “savior of democracy” has, in fact, taken actions that threaten its core principles. As we look to the future, we must ask ourselves: Will the Democrats repeat this strategy, and what does that mean for the integrity of our elections? In a time when democracy is under siege, it’s more important than ever to remain vigilant and hold those in power accountable.