4 ms·

This article demonstrates clear "main-stream" bias, where an article was deliberately edited to inject editorial bias (even increasing article length by adding

This article demonstrates clear "main-stream" bias, where an article was deliberately edited to inject editorial bias (even increasing article length by adding 2 sentances) rather than simply correcting inaccuracies or fixing poorly articulated sentences. This isn't surprising. What is surprising is the effectiveness of non-mainstream and peer-to-peer media. Sanders consistently beats Clinton in the "Facebook Primary". The rise of Sanders as a credible candidate wouldn't have happened a generation ago, and it demonstrates a new twist since the introduction of mass media -- voters who support Sanders get information mostly through alternative media. While the Internet also affected politics 8 years ago, it does so much more profoundly now. Who would have thought that an off-track candidate (who is an Independent) could run on a major party, and get 40% or more of the popular vote in a primary. Some attribute voting shift to generational differences (millennial vs boomers); while certainly true, I think there's another force at work: access to new, peer-to-peer media and the leisure time to digest it.

mc32 11y ago
It's sad the NYT feels they have to go this route but I think it will prove that they are politically impotent. On the flipside, the ineffectiveness of Jeb! seems to disprove the thought that media can shape or change the electorate in a great way. The media may grant them marginal advantage, bug ultimately it's up to the candidate to produce a viable candidacy via brand. We see that with Trump. Little ground game not much paid media but overwhelms his opponents in most markets. We may have to wait to see if the media lite, populism heavy approach works in the general election. I think his and Sanders' approach will change if they make it to the general. It's like the swiftboats or the binders of women's CVs. They are excuses. People already didn't like these candidates and needed an excuse to prove their ambiguity right and drop them like a hot mess.
- dcposch 11y ago
  Establishment bias still matters a lot. Voters over 65 make up a shockingly high fraction of overall turnout, and they get more of their information from old media. (Converselt, the median CNN viewer is 68 years old...) This election showed the new and unprecedented power of social media and grassroots democracy. But at least on the democratic side, it looks like the establishment will prevail. I think in a few years, party elites will have even less control than they do now, for better or worse.
toyg 11y ago
40%? Trump is closing on 50% of delegates... We might not agree with his message, but he's bloody good at pushing it through (and around) media skepticism. "Intertube" candidates had no real chance 8 years ago, were ridiculed 4 years ago, and today they are real forces. In 4 years' time, they will be favourites.

mc32 11y ago

It's sad the NYT feels they have to go this route but I think it will prove that they are politically impotent. On the flipside, the ineffectiveness of Jeb! seems to disprove the thought that media can shape or change the electorate in a great way. The media may grant them marginal advantage, bug ultimately it's up to the candidate to produce a viable candidacy via brand. We see that with Trump. Little ground game not much paid media but overwhelms his opponents in most markets. We may have to wait to see if the media lite, populism heavy approach works in the general election. I think his and Sanders' approach will change if they make it to the general. It's like the swiftboats or the binders of women's CVs. They are excuses. People already didn't like these candidates and needed an excuse to prove their ambiguity right and drop them like a hot mess.

dcposch 11y ago
Establishment bias still matters a lot. Voters over 65 make up a shockingly high fraction of overall turnout, and they get more of their information from old media. (Converselt, the median CNN viewer is 68 years old...) This election showed the new and unprecedented power of social media and grassroots democracy. But at least on the democratic side, it looks like the establishment will prevail. I think in a few years, party elites will have even less control than they do now, for better or worse.

toyg 11y ago

40%? Trump is closing on 50% of delegates... We might not agree with his message, but he's bloody good at pushing it through (and around) media skepticism. "Intertube" candidates had no real chance 8 years ago, were ridiculed 4 years ago, and today they are real forces. In 4 years' time, they will be favourites.