FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 17, 2019
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Report Shows Trump's Rural Defenders Gaining Ground in Online Discussion
Rural Americans Continue Talking About Impeachment - GOP Talking Points Sticking
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, One Country Project (OCP) released the second installment of its impeachment social media listening project, which analyzes how rural Americans active on social media are discussing the impeachment inquiry into President Trump’s numerous misdeeds.“All available evidence suggests that President Trump abused the power of his public office for his own benefit by trying to get a foreign country to do a political hit job on one of his main opponents. It’s no wonder Trump defenders are starting to circle the wagons,” said founding board member and former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp.
“A substantial portion of the people talking about impeachment online are reserving judgment and waiting for more information. But, while Democrats are dutifully pursuing the process of the investigation and impeachment supporters have scattered messages, Trump’s online advocates are parroting his talking points clearly and consistently. Republicans under Trump are waging an aggressive public relations campaign against Congress’ constitutional responsibility of acting as a check against an imperial executive. This public relations campaign is proving effective, and we are seeing grassroots conversations mimicking the talking points of Trump and his defenders. Democrats need to catch up to keep Republicans from defining the online discussion.”
OCP observed social media traffic from October 1 to 14, and the analysis identified a few key preliminary insights:
- The online discussion around impeachment is deeply polarized, with those in support or opposed choosing partisan sides rather than weighing the evidence. Discussion is heated on both sides, however, those on the right seem to be reading and reiterating consistent talking points while reaction on the left appears more organic.
- Democrats see the White House’s refusal to comply with the impeachment inquiry reaffirms their conviction that President Trump and his team have something to hide.
- Previous analysis showed Trump supporters seemingly a little shell shocked by the speed of the impeachment process and slow to react. They are now engaged and actively amplifying the defensive talking points used by President Trump and his surrogates.
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About One Country ProjectThe One Country Project, led by former Senators Heidi Heitkamp and Joe Donnelly, is working to promote greater opportunities for rural communities and ensure leaders earn their support. One Country is reengaging with rural Americans, serving as a clearinghouse of research and information for rural Americans, and working to ensure leaders regain trust by fighting for these communities. To learn more, visit the website, OneCountryProject.org.