theguardian.com
Harding, Trump, and the Media
This article draws parallels between Warren G. Harding's 1920 election and Donald Trump's rise, highlighting the role of partisan media, fervent supporters, and wealthy backers in both cases.
English
United Kingdom
PoliticsUs PoliticsUkElectionHistoryMediaPopulism
Fox NewsNew York TimesDominion Voting MachinesInstitute Of Public AffairsAdvance Australia
Warren G. HardingDonald TrumpHl MenckenElon MuskAndrew Tate
- What dilemma do news organizations face in the current media landscape?
- News organizations face a dilemma: prioritize sensationalism for clicks or focus on factual reporting for paying subscribers. Trump's polarizing nature makes him both highly clickable and highly subscribe-able.
- What role did the media play in both Harding's and Trump's electoral successes?
- Both Trump and Harding benefited from media ecosystems that amplified their messages, regardless of their accuracy. The focus on generating clicks and subscriptions influenced news coverage, furthering polarization.
- How does the article compare Harding's election to Donald Trump's rise to power?
- The article draws parallels between Harding's election and Donald Trump's rise, highlighting similar factors such as partisan media, fervent supporters, and wealthy backers.
- What factors contributed to Warren G. Harding's unexpected presidential victory in 1920?
- Warren G. Harding's 1920 presidential victory surprised many due to his lack of qualifications and numerous scandals. His effective use of "new media" for the time and his relatable persona resonated with voters.
- What is the author's main argument about the relationship between media, politics, and the election of controversial figures?
- The author argues that the current media landscape, driven by profit and polarization, is conducive to the election of controversial figures like Trump, mirroring the circumstances surrounding Harding's election.