- In 2004, Bush defeated Kerry 286 - 251 in electoral votes.
- In 2004, Bush had approximately 3 million more "popular" votes than Kerry.
- In 2004, the Wall Street Journal opined - "Mr. Bush has been given the kind of mandate that few politicians are fortunate enough to receive."
- In 2012, Obama defeated Romney 332 - 206 in electoral votes.
- In 2012, Obama had approximately 4 million more "popular" votes than Romney.
- Also, the Democratic caucus grew from 53 to 55.
- Also, Democratic Senatorial candidates received 10 million more votes than their opponents.
- Also, Democractic House candidates had about a million more votes overall than their counterparts, and picked up a few seats.
- The Wall Street Journal - "President Obama won one of the narrower re-elections in modern times."
IBL:mm
Propaganda and media influence should be a recurring part of school curriculum starting in the 4th grade.
ReplyDeleteI watched as my 80+ year old in-laws groaned at the news that medicare was going to have to be impacted to balance the budget. Interview of Honeywell CEO David Cote. Keeping the camera tight in what was clearly NOT his office but some modest surroundings, they painted him as the unbiased, apolitical voice of reason. What better sound-bite company name than "Honeywell" to instill trust. The news producer plugged their manufacture of thermostats. Just to properly orient the viewers of course. Why didn't the media introduce him and his company with the following from Wiki?
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In December 2011, the non-partisan organization Public Campaign criticized Honeywell International for spending $18.30 million on lobbying and not paying any taxes during 2008–2010, instead getting $34 million in tax rebates, despite making a profit of $4.9 billion, laying off 968 workers since 2008, and increasing executive pay by 15% to $54.2 million in 2010 for its top 5 executives.
Honeywell has been criticised in the past for its manufacture of deadly and maiming weapons. The Honeywell Project, for example, targeted Honeywell executives in an attempt to halt the production of cluster bombs.
And speaking of better knowledge of propaganda: I've recently been challenging myself to be more aware of the power of implicit assumption. That is, when the narrative you're listening to starts with 'OK, you know about _____, now listen to ____.' This can be done in both subtle and not so subtle ways. It's an effective means of indoctrination.
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Here's a really superb documentary which counters the media myth that "spree" killings are perpetrated by the irrational and insane.:
Murder By Proxy: How America Went Postal
Cluster bombs - seriously. I mean fucking SERIOUSLY...
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