What Does “Election Interference” Even Mean Anymore?
Digest
This podcast delves into the evolving definition of "election interference," tracing its origins back to the 2016 election and its current usage in the context of the upcoming presidential election. The discussion highlights the subjective nature of the term and how it's being used differently by Democrats and Republicans. The podcast then explores the technical definition of "election interference" as used by the US government, focusing on foreign actors and their actions. It distinguishes between "election interference" and "election influence," highlighting the difference between manipulating the mechanics of an election and influencing public opinion. The podcast examines the real-world effects of the widespread use of "election interference" on public perception of elections, arguing that the term's misuse and abuse contribute to an atmosphere of pervasive doubt and uncertainty, potentially discouraging voter turnout. Finally, the podcast explores the idea that the term "election interference" has become a catch-all phrase for anything perceived as unusual or unsettling in the current political climate, suggesting that the term reflects a broader sense of unease and uncertainty surrounding the electoral process.
Outlines
The Evolution of "Election Interference" and its Subjective Nature
This chapter explores the evolving definition of "election interference," tracing its origins back to the 2016 election and its current usage in the context of the upcoming presidential election. The discussion highlights the subjective nature of the term and how it's being used differently by Democrats and Republicans.
Defining Election Interference: A Spectrum of Behavior
This chapter delves into the technical definition of "election interference" as used by the US government, focusing on foreign actors and their actions. It distinguishes between "election interference" and "election influence," highlighting the difference between manipulating the mechanics of an election and influencing public opinion.
The Impact of "Election Interference" on Public Perception
This chapter examines the real-world effects of the widespread use of "election interference" on public perception of elections. It argues that the term's misuse and abuse contribute to an atmosphere of pervasive doubt and uncertainty, potentially discouraging voter turnout.
The "Vibes" Election and the Unmoored Nature of "Election Interference"
This chapter explores the idea that the term "election interference" has become a catch-all phrase for anything perceived as unusual or unsettling in the current political climate. It suggests that the term reflects a broader sense of unease and uncertainty surrounding the electoral process.
Keywords
Election Interference
A term used to describe actions that aim to disrupt or manipulate the outcome of an election. It can encompass a wide range of behaviors, from foreign hacking to domestic efforts to suppress voter turnout.
Election Influence
Actions that seek to sway public opinion or influence the outcome of an election without directly tampering with the electoral process. This can include spreading disinformation, propaganda, or biased information.
Disinformation
False or misleading information that is deliberately spread to deceive or manipulate. It can be used to undermine trust in institutions, sow discord, or influence public opinion.
Misinformation
Information that is inaccurate or misleading, but not necessarily spread with malicious intent. It can be the result of errors, biases, or a lack of understanding.
Propaganda
Information that is used to promote a particular political cause or ideology. It often uses emotional appeals, simplification, and repetition to persuade audiences.
Vibes Election
A term used to describe an election that is characterized by a sense of unease, uncertainty, and unpredictability. It often reflects a broader sense of societal unrest and polarization.
Q&A
How has the definition of "election interference" evolved since the 2016 election?
The term has become more subjective and encompassing, encompassing a wider range of behaviors, from foreign hacking to domestic efforts to suppress voter turnout. It's also being used differently by Democrats and Republicans, with Democrats often associating it with Trump's actions and Republicans using it to criticize their opponents.
What is the difference between "election interference" and "election influence"?
"Election interference" refers to actions that directly manipulate the mechanics of an election, such as hacking into voting machines or changing vote totals. "Election influence" involves actions that aim to sway public opinion or influence the outcome of an election without directly tampering with the electoral process, such as spreading disinformation or propaganda.
How has the widespread use of "election interference" affected public perception of elections?
The term's misuse and abuse have contributed to an atmosphere of pervasive doubt and uncertainty, potentially discouraging voter turnout. It has also led to a blurring of lines between legitimate concerns about election integrity and partisan rhetoric.
What are some of the challenges in defining "election interference" in the current political climate?
The term has become so widely used and abused that it has lost much of its original meaning. It's now often used as a catch-all phrase for anything perceived as unusual or unsettling in the electoral process, making it difficult to distinguish between legitimate concerns and partisan rhetoric.
What are some of the potential consequences of the widespread use of "election interference" in future elections?
The term's continued misuse could further erode public trust in elections, leading to increased polarization and a decline in voter turnout. It could also make it more difficult to address legitimate concerns about election integrity, as they become entangled with partisan rhetoric.
Show Notes
How has a phrase that just a decade ago had a narrow, technical definition come to essentially represent anything political that we don’t like? Jon Allsop, who writes Columbia Journalism Review’s daily newsletter and contributed this week to The New Yorker, joins Tyler Foggatt to discuss how “election interference” has become a ubiquitous term and what that indicates about the future of American political discourse. “It’s a project that is designed to insulate candidates against losing, whether they actually lose or not,” Allsop said.
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