Q&A of the Day – Harvard’s Election Integrity Project & media bias
Each day I’ll feature a listener question that’s been submitted by one of these methods.
Email: brianmudd@iheartmedia.com
Twitter: @brianmuddradio
Facebook: Brian Mudd https://www.facebook.com/brian.mudd1
Today’s entry: The election integrity story is an interesting one. If my memory is correct you had another Harvard story awhile back about faith which was ignored by news reporters as well. I’m noticing a trend that when Harvard produces research the left likes, they report on it and when they don’t, they sit on it. Keep up the good work.
Bottom Line: This note is on back of my recent dissemination of Harvard’s Election Integrity Project. The project, notably conducted last year giving states the opportunity to act in advance of this year’s elections, illustrated the US is among the worst in the world when it comes to election integrity. Specifically, we rank last in the developed world and 57th overall in election integrity. According to accredited work from Harvard. And yet, to your point, it was and still is, being ignored by news media. To your point, this isn’t the first time it’s happened with a major issue in recent years. What you’re referencing is a two-part story I brought you in the fall of 2018 entitled: Harvard Study – Faith improves mental health outcomes. As I’ve long said, the most pervasive form of bias in news media is omission. Your reminder regarding the faith-based study is timely given the pandemic.
In the name of the virus many authorities have tabled mental health considerations in the name of lockdown and isolation policies. I want to be crystal clear about something. In the extensive research I’ve done regarding health outcomes related to COVID-19 this year, those suffering from mental health issues related to pandemic losses and isolation are far more dangerous than the virus itself to all but the most vulnerable to it in our society. Prior to Thanksgiving I mentioned my family would be getting together for the holiday. We all wear masks when appropriate and are otherwise careful, but we also weren’t going to allow politicians, or a virus keep us from being together the during holidays. None of us are promised tomorrow, let alone next year’s holidays. Research has shown isolation is hardest on people during the holidays. Using facts, research and love, my family will continue to prioritize each other during this holiday season – rather than isolating in the name of the virus. For most families it’s probably more important to spend the holidays together this year than in previous years. With that in mind my family will be spending Christmas together as well. With Hanukah here and Christmas around the corner, I hope families remain safe while prioritizing their loved ones as well. It’s possible to do both.
I think it’s a lack of faith which would compel public officials to tell people to isolate rather than to celebrate in a year where it’s greatly needed. If you are a person of faith, your teachings are specific regarding the role of family. God is the higher authority I pay homage to. Not public officials making up policies on the fly during a pandemic. We should be smart and be safe while being there for our loved ones who need us most. May God bless you and your family this holiday season. Based on the reminder provided by your note I’m also sharing my two-part Harvard story on mental health and faith today. If anything, it’s more relevant today than two years ago.
Photo Credit: Getty Images