Media’s hysterical reaction to Trump’s win teaches dangerous lesson on democracy
November 7, 2024
The results of the presidential election means some favored policies will now not happen, which is the purpose of an election: to decide between policy platforms.
However, the media’s reaction, particularly those targeting younger audiences, has been excessive. Outlets such as ProPublica and The Verge have lamented policy changes, such as the rollback of EV subsidies, portraying them as catastrophic. These responses overlook the basic function of elections, which naturally involve changes in policy direction.
Teen Vogue begins with a headline declaring Trump’s win as one of the darkest moments in U.S. history, and follows with claims that the election result portends a worsening of human rights and climate crises. These statements exaggerate the implications of policy shifts, mischaracterizing a routine democratic process as an existential crisis. The outlet even compares the election outcome to national tragedies like Pearl Harbor and the Civil War, a hyperbolic stance that is unproductive and alarmist.
A Teen Vogue editorial tells readers it’s acceptable to feel scared and upset, citing concerns over potential negative impacts on health care and climate policy. While concerns are understandable, the framing suggests the end of democracy rather than a policy shift. Similarly, Gizmodo refers to Trump as a would-be dictator, and Jezebel describes his win as worse than the aftermath of 2016, listing a litany of grievances. These reactions, aimed at young readers, miss the fundamental point of elections: to reflect the public’s preferences, even if they don’t align with certain media narratives.
The media’s portrayal of this election result is not just alarmist but conveys a dangerous lesson to younger audiences: that democracy only “works” if it produces their preferred outcome. This framing undermines the democratic process and suggests a misunderstanding of the electoral system, which exists to give voice to the majority’s choice until the next election.