Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a stark warning regarding a potential October misinformation campaign aimed at Vice President Kamala Harris.
In a recent interview, Clinton expressed her concerns about deliberate efforts to distort Harris's public image as part of a larger political strategy and said she expects a coordinated effort to spread misleading information about Harris in the month to come, as RealClearPolitics reports.
During an appearance on the PBS program Firing Line, hosted by Margaret Hoover, Clinton said she expects attacks on Harris's character and accomplishments as the election season heats up. Clinton pointed to her own experiences with misinformation, including false accusations, to emphasize the potential danger of such campaigns.
Clinton referenced a well-known conspiracy theory falsely accusing her of running a child trafficking operation from a Washington, D.C. pizzeria. She used this as an example of how easily misleading narratives can spread. She stressed that Harris could face similarly outrageous claims intended to mislead the public about who she is and what she represents.
She emphasized the importance of the media in combating such narratives, calling for a consistent focus on the potential dangers she says are posed by former President Donald Trump. Clinton warned that foreign entities, such as Russia, Iran, and China, could play a role in these efforts by using social media platforms to manipulate public perception.
Clinton discussed the role of foreign powers in manipulating U.S. politics, particularly through online platforms. She mentioned Russia, Iran, and China as actors that have previously interfered and might attempt to do so again by promoting falsehoods aimed at Harris.
She warned that once misinformation takes root, it can spread quickly, starting from lesser-known online spaces and making its way through different channels until it gains wider acceptance. Clinton also stressed the need for vigilance in recognizing and countering these false narratives.
"The digital airwaves will be filled," she said, anticipating an intensified campaign as the election approaches. Clinton cautioned that such misinformation has the potential to seriously distort public opinion, especially if left unchecked.
Clinton emphasized her belief that the press must remain focused on accurately reporting on the political landscape. In her view, one of the key dangers is the spread of false narratives that go unchallenged. She called for the media to maintain a "consistent narrative" regarding the risks posed by Donald Trump and to ensure that efforts to distort facts are countered.
The former secretary of state underscored the importance of public awareness, warning that if voters are not given accurate information, they could be influenced by fabricated stories that are designed to mislead. Clinton urged the media to continue its vigilance as the election season draws closer.
"I don't know what it's going to be," Clinton said, referring to the expected October misinformation campaign, "but it will be something, and we'll have to work very, very hard to make sure that it is exposed as the lie that it is."
As October nears, Clinton predicted that political opponents would launch a targeted misinformation campaign against Harris. She indicated that this would likely involve not only domestic actors but also foreign entities using sophisticated digital tools to amplify falsehoods.
In her remarks, Clinton reflected on the importance of preparing for these attacks. She stressed that while the exact form of the October surprise is unclear, it will be necessary to counter any falsehoods swiftly and decisively.
