Michigan elections FAQ: Conspiracy theories, voter enthusiasm, poll accuracy
- Bridge Michigan is answering reader questions through our Elections FAQ series, including a weekly live video show
- This week, Bridge reporters discussed Kamala Harris' rally, and Donald Trump's false claims about crowd size
- Reporters also discussed recent polling and a visit by JD Vance
The conspiracy theories have already begun about Kamala Harris’ rally at Detroit Metropolitan Airport last week, and — contrary to statements from former President Donald Trump — rally goers can indeed believe their eyes.
That was one of several conclusions Monday during the latest episode of Bridge’s Michigan elections FAQ live show, which also included discussions on voter enthusiasm and how much stock to put into polls.
The show featured Capitol reporter Jordyn Hermani, BridgeDetroit reporter Malachi Barrett and data reporter Mike Wilkinson. They answered questions from readers and host Isabel Lohman.
Watch the full episode below or on YouTube.
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Among the topics this week
- Yes, there were a ton of people at Harris’ rally. Hermani and Barrett both attended last week’s rally and rebutted Trump’s claims that photos of the event were created by artificial intelligence. Barrett noted that most online claims about the lack of reflection underneath Air Force Two miss the point that there is quite a bit of distance between Harris and the crowd. “The fact that it isn’t visible is not really the ‘gotcha’ that people seem to be basing this entire claim on,” he said.
- Gauging crowd size. While the size of rally crowds may be a bragging point, they “effectively mean nothing in the long scheme of things,” Hermani said, and neither do lawn signs.
- Harris gaining ground in polls. Wilkinson pointed out that polling has improved since infamous errors in the 2016 presidential election, and while new polls show Harris is tightening the race, “we’ve got a long way to go.” He noted that third-party candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is on the ballot in Michigan, appears to be taking votes away from Trump now more than Harris.
Bridge has more politics at noon Thursday with a special Lunch Break to discuss the August primary. It’ll be hosted by Capitol reporter Lauren Gibbons. Register to participate at this link
Michigan elections FAQ returns at 11:30 a.m. Monday. Sign up now for the free, online event.
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