A multipronged dark money effort by Elon Musk targeted liberals, Jews, Muslims, and Black voters with ads using psychological cues to discourage Kamala Harris’ voters.
Why Kamala Harris lost.
Podcasts (Video — Audio)
The 2024 election that saw Vice President Kamala Harris lose to Donald Trump highlights the profound challenges faced by progressive candidates in an era marked by disinformation, targeted manipulation, and systemic biases. The video delves into how these factors—compounded by dark money, the complicity of mainstream media, and insufficient action by the Democratic Party—created an environment where psychological warfare played a pivotal role in suppressing voter turnout and distorting public perception. This loss serves as a cautionary tale for the progressive movement to address these systemic issues urgently.
Key Points:
- Targeted Disinformation Campaigns: Harris faced microtargeted attacks funded by $45 million in dark money, with ads tailored to exploit fears and divisions within specific demographics, such as Muslims, Jews, Black voters, and working-class white voters.
- Dark Money and Lack of Transparency: The psychological warfare was enabled by anonymous donors operating through 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, whose true sources of funding remain concealed from the public.
- Media Complicity and Democratic Malpractice: Mainstream media, including outlets considered progressive, failed to critically address these tactics in time, while the Democratic Party did not adequately counteract these strategies or the systemic barriers faced by Harris.
- Role of Systemic Bias: Deep-seated racial and gender prejudices played a significant role in Harris’ loss, with some voters preferring a convicted felon over a highly qualified woman of color due to targeted triggers and ingrained biases.
- Impact on Activism: Volunteers and activists who worked tirelessly for Harris’ campaign expressed disillusionment over the loss, though their efforts remain critical in building a foundation for future progressive victories.
The psychological warfare employed against Kamala Harris in the 2024 election demonstrates the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect democracy from disinformation and manipulation. While the loss is a setback, it underscores the resilience and dedication of progressive activists who must continue fighting for equity and justice. The progressive movement can pave the way for a more inclusive and truthful political future by addressing dark money, strengthening media accountability, and dismantling systemic biases. Harris’ campaign may have fallen short, but its lessons should inspire a renewed commitment to creating a democracy that truly represents all.
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