MAGAReport for 5/2/2024
Today: How the far-right might exploit the Gaza protests + no organized plans for violence.
One of the more interesting things I spotted yesterday on Telegram was a video from a campus Gaza protest with a far-right counterprotest. The two groups eventually joined together in a “fuck Joe Biden” chant.
These protests are the focus of discussion today on the forums I read, and a lot of the MAGA crowd sees - correctly in my opinion - that this issue can split the Democratic electorate and get Trump re-elected.
In the 2016 election, we saw the Russians target Black communities to exploit existing societal divisions and reduce enthusiasm for Clinton. Now in 2024, I suspect Gaza will be the issue of choice for misinformation, conspiracy theories, and artificial amplification over the summer with the goal of suppressing the Biden vote. I think the extreme right is going to work hard to inflame this issue. They don’t actually care that deeply about it, but they see the strategic advantage and the one thing they love to do most - trolling the libs - is all they need to do to increase their advantage.
A thing I am spending a lot of time thinking about this week is how we inoculate progressives against this.
From the .win Forums
This is an automated summary of discussions on pro-Trump forums
The main topics being discussed include government corruption and manipulation, distrust of authority and the media, conspiracy theories, political division and polarization, and criticism of politicians and their actions.
There are several threats mentioned in these documents, including accusations of illegal activities, terrorism, and support for certain political figures and parties. These threats are directed towards individuals and groups such as the CIA, Hillary Clinton, the media, and political opponents.
The community is making plans for political action, such as supporting certain political figures and parties, and discussing potential legal action against government mandates and policies. There are also mentions of potential violent action, such as protests and potential terrorism, but it is unclear if these plans are being actively pursued by the community.
From Telegram
This is an automated summary of discussions on pro-Trump Telegram channels
1. The main topics being discussed include political corruption and subversion, support for President Trump, criticism of Biden and his administration, religious references and prayers, and concerns about election fraud and interference.
2. There are also threats being made against individuals and groups, including calls to "burn them to the ground" and "purge" certain targets. It is unclear who these targets are specifically, but they may include political opponents or those perceived as threats to the community's beliefs.
3. There are no specific plans for political or violent action mentioned in these posts, but there is a strong sense of support for Trump and a belief in his leadership. There is also a focus on personal beliefs and values, as well as concerns about government policies and actions.