General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Why Hasn't The American Left Convinced More Americans To Vote For More Progressive Candidates? [View all]limpyhobbler
(8,244 posts)The mass media define the terms of the debate. For example convincing people we must cut Social Security to reduce the deficit, and repeating that as if it were a fact.
People still oppose Social Security cuts and wish they had more candidates who would vigorously defend Social Security. But over time, after enough exposure to the big lie presented as factual news, some people get confused and start to believe it.
In general it seems like the people who control the mass media and restrict the acceptable range of debate, are also the same people who restrict the options available to us when we go vote. They own and fund the media channels. They slobber money over politicians.
The big money special interests use their money to dominate the media message, spewing lies and emotional appeals, trying to shape public opinion. To the extent they aren't able to convince people, they also use their money to dominate the political process. They restrict the available political options and they influence the election results by campaign donations and direct spending such as via super-PACS and astroturfing.
So a little of this, a little of that.