Conspiracy theories are not just the preserve of the American alt-right. Donald Trump‘s landslide victory in the US presidential election has unleashed Democratic conspiracists who are not resigned to Kamala Harris’ resounding defeat. On social media, posts denouncing Trump’s elusive fraud are multiplying. The most popular theory is that twenty million votes are missing, say the conspiracy theorists called BlueAnon, a name that refers to the famous QAnon but in an anti-republican sauce. According to data from the research company PeakMetrics, the number of messages doubting the result and asking for a recount immediately exploded, as reported by HuffPost, and ironically they had growing resonance on X, Elon Musk’s social network, with more than one million of views.
“Are you telling me that after record registrations, long lines, record rallies and more positive energy than I’ve seen since Obama, 20 million Democrats sat on their hands? That’s not possible. Not even for dream”, we read on X among many comments. Among the “suspicious” also well-known figures, such as the writer John Pavlovitz, a supporter of Kamala, who tweeted: “How could we have a record turnout and twenty million fewer votes cast at a national level?”, he wrote, also relaunching many posts on the #TrumpCheated trend, Trump cheated.
The name BlueAnon came to the surface in July after the attack in Pennsylvania in which Trump seriously risked being killed and in which a man died. In the following days, Butler deniers appeared online, claiming that the then-candidate cut off his ear with a hidden blade, or that the attack was staged with blood capsules and fake gunshots. In short, all we need is the democratic version of the Shaman…
#million #votes #missing #Tempo
**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Political Psychologist and Expert on Conspiracy Theories**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. We recently saw a rise in conspiracy theories from a segment of the Democratic base post-election, particularly surrounding the idea that 20 million votes are missing. Can you explain the origins of these theories and how they relate to QAnon?
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. The similarities between QAnon and what we’re now calling “BlueAnon” are indeed noteworthy. While QAnon is deeply rooted in far-right conspiratorial thinking, BlueAnon represents a reaction from some on the left who feel disenfranchised after the election. Both groups espouse narratives that reflect deeper societal fears and distrust in political institutions, but the contexts and specifics differ significantly.
**Interviewer:** What do you think drives people to embrace these conspiracy theories on either side?
**Dr. Carter:** There are several factors at play. Firstly, political identity plays a major role. For many, our political beliefs are part of our core identity, which can make any perceived threat to that identity feel existential. Additionally, in times of uncertainty or trauma—like a contentious election—people are more prone to seeking explanations, even if those explanations are not based in reality. Social media exacerbates this by creating echo chambers where these beliefs can flourish.
**Interviewer:** It’s striking how quickly online discussions can shift, especially on platforms like X. What does that say about the current political landscape?
**Dr. Carter:** It indicates a fragmented and polarized landscape, where misinformation spreads rapidly and can gain traction almost overnight. The algorithm-driven nature of social media tends to favor sensationalism, so conspiracy theories can circulate widely, attracting attention and reinforcing existing biases. This means we have to be vigilant as consumers of information, both in terms of what we share and what we believe.
**Interviewer:** What impact do you think these conspiracy theories will have on the Democratic Party moving forward?
**Dr. Carter:** It could potentially lead to further divides within the party. If left unchecked, rhetoric promoting conspiracy theories might alienate moderate voters and distract from pressing issues that need addressing. However, it also presents an opportunity for party leaders to engage more meaningfully with their base, addressing concerns transparently and promoting a narrative grounded in factual information.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how can individuals discern between legitimate concerns and conspiracy theories?
**Dr. Carter:** Critical thinking and media literacy are essential. Individuals should question the sources of their information, look for corroborating evidence across multiple reliable outlets, and be mindful of emotional triggers in the narratives they encounter. Engaging in open dialogue with others who have different viewpoints can also provide valuable insights and reduce the likelihood of falling into conspiratorial thinking.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s crucial for all of us to stay informed and grounded in reality.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. It’s a vital conversation for the health of our democracy.