Bias in the News
This blog post analyses bias in the following article: Trump's Not Populist Enough
Article's Purpose: To argue that Trump's administration should be improved by taking the correct populist approach that is 'less stylistic and more substantive' in order to win the next election.
Devices:
Connotative Diction - The article uses a few loaded word that assist in promoting the purpose. The author claims that Trump's current populist approach is 'stylistic'. This suggests that it is a positive aspect that only needs to be changed slightly in order to accommodate a larger portion of the country. With this word, readers may be persuaded to see Trump as a unique politician with his own political 'style' of populism.
Ethos - The author states, "Even if last week's results weren't as encouraging to Trump as they first appeared, he is still very much in the game." Referring to politics as a 'game' suggests that it is exciting and simple which appeals to the readers ethics of voting for the politician who is relevant and 'in the game'.
Metaphor - The author states, "Best to deepen and widen his populism in advance of another effort to thread the electoral needle." Comparing the election to sewing, suggests that winning it takes a simple strategy which relates to the author's original purpose of conveying a slight change in strategy that would aid Trump in winning the election.
Examples of Bias:
Bias By Labeling - The author mentions the Democratic party at the end of the article, "But unless some exogenous event boosts Trump’s standing to another level, he is dependent on Democrats once again nominating a candidate unacceptable to the white working class (and not particularly popular in the suburbs, either)." The author tags liberal politicians, specifically the candidate from the last presidential election, as being helpful to Trump's success. The author believes that if Trump alters his appeal through a populist ideological perspective, he won't be as reliant on the supposed incompetency of the opposing party.
Bias By Spin - The author neglects to mention many pitfalls had by Trump during his presidency so far, only minor negative events are mentioned. The article excludes the opposing side by neglecting to mention any aspects of his presidency that may be considered undesirable. The author promotes his original purpose by only mentioning events that could have been avoided by the implementation of a different kind of populist mentality.
Bias By Omission - The article does not present any opposing arguments. The author consistently promotes his own opinions and ideas. The article does not mention any sources that may help to discern whether the argument is supported and valid, however, he does mention a resource that may support his argument. "Oren Cass of the Manhattan Institute has written a new book, The Once and Future Worker, that is a guide to new conservative thinking on how to support a healthy labor market." The author does not acknowledge the entire story of Trump's administration, he neglects to mention any Liberal or Democratic point of view that may oppose his own, therefore suggesting that there is bias by omission in play.
Article's Purpose: To argue that Trump's administration should be improved by taking the correct populist approach that is 'less stylistic and more substantive' in order to win the next election.
Devices:
Connotative Diction - The article uses a few loaded word that assist in promoting the purpose. The author claims that Trump's current populist approach is 'stylistic'. This suggests that it is a positive aspect that only needs to be changed slightly in order to accommodate a larger portion of the country. With this word, readers may be persuaded to see Trump as a unique politician with his own political 'style' of populism.
Ethos - The author states, "Even if last week's results weren't as encouraging to Trump as they first appeared, he is still very much in the game." Referring to politics as a 'game' suggests that it is exciting and simple which appeals to the readers ethics of voting for the politician who is relevant and 'in the game'.
Metaphor - The author states, "Best to deepen and widen his populism in advance of another effort to thread the electoral needle." Comparing the election to sewing, suggests that winning it takes a simple strategy which relates to the author's original purpose of conveying a slight change in strategy that would aid Trump in winning the election.
Examples of Bias:
Bias By Labeling - The author mentions the Democratic party at the end of the article, "But unless some exogenous event boosts Trump’s standing to another level, he is dependent on Democrats once again nominating a candidate unacceptable to the white working class (and not particularly popular in the suburbs, either)." The author tags liberal politicians, specifically the candidate from the last presidential election, as being helpful to Trump's success. The author believes that if Trump alters his appeal through a populist ideological perspective, he won't be as reliant on the supposed incompetency of the opposing party.
Bias By Spin - The author neglects to mention many pitfalls had by Trump during his presidency so far, only minor negative events are mentioned. The article excludes the opposing side by neglecting to mention any aspects of his presidency that may be considered undesirable. The author promotes his original purpose by only mentioning events that could have been avoided by the implementation of a different kind of populist mentality.
Bias By Omission - The article does not present any opposing arguments. The author consistently promotes his own opinions and ideas. The article does not mention any sources that may help to discern whether the argument is supported and valid, however, he does mention a resource that may support his argument. "Oren Cass of the Manhattan Institute has written a new book, The Once and Future Worker, that is a guide to new conservative thinking on how to support a healthy labor market." The author does not acknowledge the entire story of Trump's administration, he neglects to mention any Liberal or Democratic point of view that may oppose his own, therefore suggesting that there is bias by omission in play.
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