Pizza parties, birth certificate,  and 5G’s vaccinating our kids – Imaginary enemies and American elections

Drama, fierce rivalries, and passionate discourse are common during election season. However, these emotions do not always manifest in constructive ways. When politicians and their supporters are willing to do anything to win, we often see the rise of misinformation and disinformation. These forms of false information have become tools in political maneuvering, leading to the rise of various conspiracy theories. While conspiracy theories are not unique to the United States, their persistent presence in presidential elections raises important questions about political communication, public trust, media ecosystems, and the resilience of democracy. All which are valid questions to ask when the newscycles become faster and faster and the information streams flood our daily lives.

Short History of American Conspiracies

When did all this start? Conspiratorial narratives must be a phenomenon of the digital age, right? Conspiratorial thinking in American politics is not a new phenomenon; it has been embedded in the nation’s political DNA since its founding. The presidential election of 1800, featuring Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, was rife with rumors. Jefferson was accused of being a radical atheist aligned with the French Revolution, while Adams was rumored to harbor monarchical ambitions. These attacks, although based more on smear campaigns than organized conspiracy theories, established a precedent for using suspicion as a political tool.

Events such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the Vietnam War, and the Watergate scandal in the 1970s solidified a widespread belief that shadowy elites were pulling strings behind the scenes. The continuous distrust in the government laid the foundation for conspiracies to become fully-fleshed  narratives, especially during closely contested or culturally divisive elections.

When the media ecosystem changes, the change of political culture is also inevitable. This shift becomes increasingly evident during the elections, when the full power of the media system is harnessed for political campaigning. The 21st century brought a dramatic transformation in the media landscape, with the rise of digital platforms, including social media and alternative news sources challenging more traditional forms of media. These platforms not only amplified fringe beliefs but also enabled like-minded communities to form echo chambers around specific narratives.In the 2008 and 2012 elections, Barack Obama became a central figure in several conspiracy theories. Most notably, the “birther” movement, which falsely claimed that Obama was not born in the United States, gained traction despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Promoted by far-right activists and eventually amplified by Donald Trump before his own presidential campaign, the birther conspiracy exemplified how racialized narratives could be leveraged for political gain.

In 2016, conspiracy theories also became deeply embedded in the election discourse. Claims circulated widely online that Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee were involved in crimes ranging from pedophilia to murder. The most notorious of these was “Pizzagate,” a baseless theory alleging that Clinton and her allies were running a child sex trafficking ring out of a Washington, D.C., pizzeria. Although this narrative was widely debunked, it gained enough traction that one believer even opened fire inside the restaurant.

2020: The Conspiratorial Turn of a Sitting President

The 2020 election marked a new turning point: for the first time in modern American history, a sitting president became the leading voice in pushing a major electoral conspiracy theory. Donald Trump’s repeated and baseless claims that the election was “stolen” through massive voter fraud fueled what became known as the “Stop the Steal” movement.

Unlike previous election-related conspiracies that originated on the fringes and later gained traction, the 2020 version was top-down. Trump’s narrative was reinforced by prominent allies, conservative media outlets, and social media influencers. The proliferation of this theory led to dozens of lawsuits, all of which failed to provide credible evidence of fraud. Nonetheless, a significant portion of the electorate came to believe that the election was illegitimate.

This culminated in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, where a violent mob, many of whom believed they were defending democracy from a rigged election, stormed the legislative branch in an unprecedented assault on American democratic norms. This event starkly illustrated how conspiratorial narratives, when mainstreamed and legitimized by political elites, can lead to dangerous consequences.

So, what are the key themes?

Recurring themes are evident in the conspiratorial thinking surrounding U.S. presidential elections over the decades. One of the most prevalent themes among conspiracy theorists is the idea of a shadowy elite. These theories often suggest that elections are manipulated by secretive groups which are often referred to as “deep state” actors, globalists, or political dynasties, who rig the results to maintain their power. This narrative typically portrays certain politicians as heroes fighting against these powerful cabals. Figures like Trump are often depicted as lone warriors battling against an unjust system. Such narratives go well with populist narratives and ideas, reinforcing a clear and artificially manufactured binary distinction between “good” and “evil.”.

Another theme is  narratives attacking both science and culture.  Recently, we have seen a mistrust towards technology and vaccines. With the introduction of electronic voting machines, conspiracy theories about “vote flipping,” hacking, and software manipulation became more prevalent. There have also been theories concerning vaccinations and the “mysterious” 5G. Moreover, many conspiracy theories leverage broader anxieties about moral decay and cultural upheaval. They frame political opponents not just as wrong, but as evil forces who are trying to erode the culture and usually traditional values. 

What’s the problem?

Conspiratorial narratives during elections undermine the trust in democratic institutions, particularly when they focus on the electoral process itself. Confidence in elections is essential for democratic governance. Without this trust, peaceful transitions of power are at risk.

Furthermore, conspiracy theories contribute to polarization by reinforcing belief systems that are resistant to evidence. They weaken the trust towards  journalism, political institutions, and even law enforcement when these entities challenge false narratives. Fact-checking is not seen as a virtuous activity, but a tool for shadowy elites to control the masses.

In the worst-case scenario, as mentioned earlier and demonstrated on January 6, these conspiratorial beliefs can incite real-world violence and political instability. This may mean anything from the larger movements to lone-warriors who want to fight against these imaginary threats and enemies.

Is there anything that we can do?

To combat these harmful narratives, we need more than one approach. It all begins with media literacy. Educating citizens to critically evaluate information sources is a long-term but essential strategy. However, it’s not only the citizens who need to counter these narratives; we must also demand better accountability from digital platforms. Tech companies must find a balance between upholding free speech and limiting the spread of harmful falsehoods. 

Furthermore, political leadership is more crucial than ever. Elected officials must resist the temptation to exploit conspiracies for political gain. Ultimately, as is the case in all areas of politics, this issue also hinges on building trust. Some effective ways to enhance trust include ensuring transparent election processes, strengthening institutions, and implementing nonpartisan oversight.

We also need a dose of empathy, since combating conspiracy theories doesn’t mean ignoring or silencing dissent. Many who fall for these narratives are driven by genuine frustration, fear, or even anger. Listening without legitimizing falsehoods is a critical skill for leaders and communicators alike.

Final thoughts

Conspiracy theories have become a significant aspect of American presidential elections, especially in a time marked by information overload, extreme political polarization, and a decline in public trust. These narratives are not just fringe distractions; they are powerful influences that shape political realities, affect voter behavior, and impact democratic stability. As the United States approaches future election cycles, the strength of its democracy may depend on its ability to resist the allure of conspiracy theories and instead reaffirm a collective commitment to truth, civility, and the rule of law.