Will Fox News Support the November 2020 Election Result Tally?
The question of whether Fox News will support the 2020 election results remains a significant point of contention. Given the historical pattern and current political dynamics, there are clear indicators suggesting Fox News’s stance on the issue.
Understanding Fox News's Role in the 2020 Election
Fox News has long been associated with conservative viewpoints and has served as a mouthpiece for several political figures, particularly former President Donald Trump. The network's reliability on providing impartial and accurate news has been questioned by many, especially during election years.
Potential Scenarios for Fox News's Support
There are
Scenario 1: If Trump Wins
It is widely speculated that Trump will not concede the 2020 election without a fight. In such a scenario, Fox News is expected to support the election tally, aligning with the narrative that Trump won the election. However, this support will likely come from Fox News’s polling division, which is responsible for providing factual news, and not from the channel's opinion shows.
Scenario 2: If Biden Lands a Landslide Victory
If Joe Biden receives a landslide victory, overwhelming the results to the point of being unquestionable, it is less likely that opinion shows will still try to cast doubts. In this case, Fox News might present the results neutrally, pending further confirmation and verification processes. However, tradition and political pressure may still force some commentators to question the results.
Partisan Influence and Propaganda
The programming at Fox News primarily consists of partisan opinion shows. These shows often feature commentators who can be very inflammatory and unwavering in their support for President Trump. This has historically led to a tension between the factual reporting divisions and the opinion-heavy segments of the network. If Trump loses the election, the commentators at Fox News are likely to sow seeds of doubt, claiming the election was fraudulent.
Impact on Democracy
Claiming election fraud without evidence severely undermines public trust in the democratic process. This behavior can lead to increased political polarization and a deepening divide in the country. The high ratings and ratings-driven nature of these opinion shows ensure that such claims will be perpetuated, even if there is substantial evidence supporting the results.
Current Dynamics and Future Outlook
Fox News has already shown a willingness to question election results in the past. For instance, the 2020 election saw numerous claims of irregularities and fraud, often without substantial evidence. Even if Trump loses the election, Fox News is likely to continue pushing the narrative of voter fraud and election rigging, driven by both political and financial motives.
Conclusion
While Fox News's polling division may respect the election results and provide an unbiased account, the opinion shows are more likely to question the results, regardless of who wins. This dynamic poses a significant threat to the integrity of the democratic process and can further exacerbate political divisions in the United States.
Stay informed and critically evaluate the information presented on all news sources.