A recent article on Russian TV claimed that former US President Donald Trump won by a landslide against Vice President Kamala Harris in a poll conducted by Elon Musk on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The article presents this as a significant indicator of Trump’s popularity ahead of the November election. However, a closer examination reveals several falsehoods and propaganda elements within the report.
Misleading Claims and Falsehoods:
- Kamala Harris as the Democratic Nominee: The article claims that Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee for the upcoming November election, following President Joe Biden’s alleged withdrawal from the race. This is categorically false. As of the current date, Joe Biden is the official Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. There has been no official announcement or credible reports suggesting that Biden has dropped out of the race or that Harris has assumed the nomination.
- Elon Musk’s Poll as an Indicator of Electoral Success: The article heavily relies on the results of a poll conducted by Elon Musk on X, portraying it as a significant indicator of Trump’s potential success in the upcoming election. It is essential to note that Musk himself described the poll as “super unscientific,” which means it holds no statistical or predictive value. Such polls are not representative of the general electorate, as they are often biased due to the platform’s user base and the self-selecting nature of participants.
- Misinformation About a Trump-Musk Collaboration: The article suggests a close relationship between Trump and Musk, with claims that Trump would consider Musk for a role in his administration. While Trump has made flattering comments about Musk, there has been no official confirmation or agreement regarding Musk’s involvement in a potential Trump administration. This claim appears to be speculative at best, aiming to bolster Musk’s perceived influence and Trump’s appeal to certain voter demographics.
Propaganda Elements:
- Exaggeration of Trump’s Popularity: The article amplifies Trump’s popularity by presenting a misleading interpretation of the poll results, which can sway public perception. By highlighting the poll’s outcome as a “landslide victory,” the article attempts to create a narrative of overwhelming support for Trump, disregarding the unscientific nature of the poll and the actual polling data that shows a competitive race between Trump and the Democratic candidates.
- Negative Framing of Kamala Harris: The article employs derogatory language and quotes from Trump, referring to Harris as “third rate,” “incompetent,” and a “left lunatic.” This negative framing aligns with the broader strategy of discrediting political opponents through ad hominem attacks rather than engaging in substantive debate. Such language serves to diminish Harris’s credibility and appeal to audiences already inclined to view her unfavorably.
- Promotion of Unfounded Conspiracy Theories: The claim that a large-scale DDoS attack caused technical issues during Musk’s interview with Trump plays into a broader narrative of external sabotage against right-wing figures. This suggestion, without concrete evidence, feeds into conspiracy theories that often circulate in certain media ecosystems, further polarizing public opinion.
The Russian TV article titled “Trump defeats Harris by landslide in Musk’s poll on X” is rife with misleading information, false claims, and elements of propaganda. It inaccurately portrays Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, exaggerates the significance of an unscientific online poll, and employs negative framing and speculative assertions to promote a particular narrative. Readers are encouraged to seek information from reputable sources and be cautious of sensationalist reports that aim to manipulate public opinion.
