One especially noteworthy set of findings from our new @BrightLineWatch survey are from the survey of local policymakers conducted by our partners @AskCivicPulse, which was paired with identical questions in our public survey. brightlinewatch.org/american-democ…
Our @BrightLineWatch/@AskCivicPulse survey found that GOP election distrust extends far deeper than just the public. Though Republican policymakers trust results more than Rs overall, they are still distrustful of results, especially at the national level. brightlinewatch.org/american-democ…
New @ADL report w/new behavioral data: Exposure to Alternative & Extremist Content on YouTube adl.org/resources/repo…
-9% watched video(s) from extremist channel
-Viewership very concentrated
-95% of views from people high in racial resentment
-Still being recommended to users
Findings raise serious concerns. However, not clearly consistent with simple narratives re: algorithmic radicalization:
-Most viewers already high in racial resentment
-Most recs to alt/extremist channels shown on similar videos
More consistent with demand finding supply (alas)
Caveats:
-Sample not nationally representative
-We used codings of alternative and extremist channels from academic and subject matter experts
-YouTube has changed a lot; findings surely would have differed in the past
MTG is abhorrent but there is real danger in the way she is being elevated by those would denounce her (me included) and in saturation coverage. This could be a moment in which a post-Trump precedent is created - or one in which the attention makes her a powerful national figure.
Saturation coverage of and endless attacks on an offensive, conspiracy-promoting, lib-owning, line-crossing populist already brought us one dangerous and unqualified president. We should be careful it doesn't bring us more.
In a world of extreme affective polarization and media distrust, negative news coverage + D attacks can easily rally Rs to Greene's side. We're already starting to see this e.g. in her fundraising. Critical for Rs like McConnell to continue to make clear objections are bipartisan