Gaslighting MAGA
THIS WEEK: Gaslighting MAGA
Tucker, Joe, Megyn, and a whole host of other former fans are shocked that the Trump presidency isn’t going the way they planned.
So are a lot of Trump voters who believed Trump when he promised he would reduce inflation, cut drug prices, release the Epstein files, unredacted, and end — not start— wars.
The MAGA BETRAYED story might sound like a national one. But the real hurt is now happening mostly at the local pump, which is where you should be reporting on it.
Unpredictable gas prices, a result of the unprovoked war with Iran, aren’t getting any more predictable. Many Americans who supported Trump (who, btw, were already feeling the pain from inflation and a cooling job market) are likely to hurt even more. Here’s how to cover this.
TIPS ON COVERING THE GASLIGHTING OF AMERICA
Identify pain points
There will be a big ripple effect related to skyrocketing gas prices, as a result of this unprovoked war — Like:
Rising summer travel budgets —which may curtail family travel. Tell that sad story.
The fees for goods and services that have transportation costs. What are people on your beat giving up, and how do they feel about it?
Electricity bill hikes, that may require turning down the AC. That sounds like fun, AZ reporters!
Do the math
Include the numbers! Let drivers know what this unprovoked war will likely cost them in rising gas prices. Use data from AAA, the Energy Information Administration, and average monthly miles driven by Americans, like this NYT piece did.
Connect the dots
Do short explainer videos, charts, or Q and As that help people understand why we’re in this unprovoked war, and why gas prices are involved.
Include key facts
Despite Trump’s efforts to downplay this unprovoked war with Iran, it’s a big deal. Make sure audiences know some basic facts. Like:
It was an unprovoked war (I know. I know, but it’s important.)
It was launched without congressional approval
Most Americans do not support it
It is reeking havoc on an entire, already suffering, region
It is creating a war tax, of sorts. Remember: increased gas prices are being passed down to consumers at the pump, but also in stores and via services and goods.
Also in the news
We’re reading/watching
Takes on the war:
Could this war actually lead to more nuclear weapons?
This could look more like Vietnam than you think.
20 Questions about the war with Iran.
Comic Relief
If You Like What You Are Reading:
Reach out for help at ReportingRight@googlegroups.com.
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See You Next Week!
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Executive Editor Kyle Spencer
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Alex Aronson, executive director of Court Accountability
David Armiak, research director for the Center for Media and Democracy
Connor Gibson, founder of Grassrootbeer Investigations
Maurice Cunningham, retired associate professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts at Boston and author of Dark Money and The Politics of School Privatization.
Isaac Kamola, associate professor of political science at Trinity College, founder of Faculty First Responders and co-author of Free Speech and Koch Money, Manufacturing a Campus Culture War
Nancy MacLean, William H. Chafe distinguished professor of history and public policy at Duke University and author of Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America
Ralph Wilson, founder of the Corporate Genome Project and co-author of Free Speech and Koch Money, Manufacturing a Campus Culture War
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