Build Back Better

U.S. Media

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14 days

Summary

sources
17
Narrative Items
24
Bottom Line Up Front

20 sources in U.S. Media are amplifying 27 narrative items relating to the narrative of political and economic tensions in America. Key themes include critiques of leadership, tax policy implications, the evolving political landscape, and the impact of economic legislation on everyday life, highlighting the intersection of governance, social issues, and economic realities.

Reviewing a number of the most relevant narrative items indicates that different media sources are portraying the events with notable variations in tone and emphasis. The Christian Left characterizes J.D. Vance's comments on childless leaders with skepticism, suggesting a negative perception of his views frames them as out of touch. In contrast, Bloomberg Government's coverage of tax policy remains neutral and fact-based, focusing on legislative actions without strong emotional language. Free Republic employs hyperbolic and derisive language when discussing both Tulsi Gabbard's political shift and general critiques of political figures, revealing a clear right-wing bias intended to energize its audience. The American Prospect presents Kamala Harris's care economy policies positively, indicative of a favorable stance towards progressive social initiatives. On the other hand, Armstrong Economics takes a critical view on the Bank of Canada's rate cuts, questioning their necessity amid high household debt. Breitbart and LifeZette both amplify President Biden's admission regarding the Inflation Reduction Act, framing it as a significant failure, while Twitchy uses more sarcastic language to emphasize rising housing costs under his administration. The Center Square presents a factual comparison of Michigan’s Senate candidates while highlighting the conflicting perspectives on electric vehicles, maintaining a more even-handed approach. Overall, the coverage demonstrates a mixture of aggressive bias, emotional appeal, and even-handed reporting, revealing how language and techniques can influence public perception.

About This Module

The U.S. Media module tracks a broad range of American media sources, including major television, cable, print, and online organizations.

Themes

Tap or click for details
These adjacent themes are currently being amplified along with the main narrative
Vice President Harris addresses economic concerns
In an upcoming speech in North Carolina, Vice President Harris will detail her economic plan aimed at alleviating financial burdens on middle-class families, despite recent drops in inflation.
Critique of the U.S. Constitution
Critics claim the U.S. Constitution undermines democracy, advocating for a new framework to reflect popular will.
Threat of 'Project 2025' to US Democracy
Expert warns of 'Project 2025' creating a Trump autocracy by abolishing federal agencies and establishing new bureaucratic structures.
Impact of IRA on Senior Drug Costs
Research shows seniors may pay 12% more for medications under new Medicare rules.
Harris advocates for corporate tax increase
Kamala Harris is pushing for a 35% corporate tax rate to enhance economic security for the middle class.
Bankruptcy filing and store closures
LL Flooring, previously Lumber Liquidators, is shutting down 94 locations across over 30 states as it files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, burdened by nearly $110 million in long-term debt.

Sources

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These sources are generating the most narrative activity
Free Republic
17% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
Twitchy
13% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
Jacobin
8% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
Armstrong Economics
8% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
Breitbart
4% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
Arizona Republic
4% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
Christian Science Monitor
4% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
Capital & Main
4% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
Rolling Stone
4% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
The American Prospect
4% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.

Entities

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These entities are mentioned most frequently in the narratives highlighted in this brief
People
J.D. Vance
A political figure who expressed concerns about childless leaders.
Randi Weingarten
Head of the most powerful teachers union in the US.
Tulsi Gabbard
Former Congress member with a growing right-wing following.
Kamala Harris
Vice President of the United States focusing on the care economy.
David Dayen
Commentator discussing the alignment of care policies.
Tiff Macklem
Governor of the Bank of Canada.
Joe Biden
President of the United States.
Elissa Slotkin
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate from Michigan.
Mike Rogers
Republican former U.S. Representative from Michigan.

Top Items

These narrative items are the most relevant and/or the most amplified
Amplifiers:
Free Republic
freerepublic.com
Struggling Big Lots preparing bankruptcy filing, will sell stores: report
Big Lots is filing for bankruptcy and selling its stores. The discount retailer has been struggling with declining sales, causing its stock price to plummet. The company will remain operational under Chapter 11 protection while it seeks buyers for its stores.
Amplifiers:
The American Prospect
prospect.org
Will the Care Agenda Make It This Time?
Kamala Harris has signaled strongly that, if elected, one of her top priorities would be the set of policies grouped together as the care economy. This includes child care, early-childhood education, paid family and medical leave, and in-home support services for people with disabilities or the elderly. David Dayen: It does feel like the stars are aligning and that this is the care ticket.
Amplifiers:
Armstrong Economics
armstrongeconomics.com
Will Rate Cuts Help Canada? | Armstrong Economics
The Bank of Canada voted to cut rates by 25 bps to 4.25%, marking the third consecutive rate cut. Inflation has allegedly slowed to 2.5% as of July, and Governor Tiff Macklem said that was reason enough to drop rates to attract investment. Canada ranks the third-highest nation in terms of household debt in the world.
Amplifiers:
Breitbart
breitbart.com
Biden Admits Inflation Reduction Act Was Wrongly Named
President Joe Biden admitted the Inflation Reduction Act, which included $369 billion for green energy initiatives, was wrongly named. The Penn Wharton Budget Model found the bill would drop inflation by.1 percent over five years. Instead, the bill is the single most significant legislation to combat climate change in our nations history, the Biden-Harris Department of Treasury touted in a release in November 2022.
Amplifiers:
Twitchy
twitchy.com
SHE DID IT, JOE! Housing Prices Up 39 Percent Under Kamala Harris (Spending Even MORE Money Will Fix It!)
The average cost of a new home in the United States has risen by 39 percent since President Joe Biden was inaugurated and Kamala Harris became vice president. This comes as Democratic nominee Harris has vowed to give first-time homebuyers $25,000 to put toward their down payments. Harris herself has said that bread and beef prices have gone up 50% since she took office, and eggs are up 147%.
Amplifiers:
LifeZette
lifezette.com
Biden Finally Admits What the Inflation Act Is Really About [WATCH]
President Joe Biden made a surprising admission during a recent visit to Wisconsin, where he was promoting his so-called Bidenomics investments. Biden acknowledged that the $700 billion Inflation Reduction Act, which was supposed to address inflation, didnt quite live up to its name. Despite its grand promises, the bill would lower inflation by a meager 0.1 percent over five years-hardly a dent.
Amplifiers:
The Center Square
thecentersquare.com
Michigan U.S. Senate candidates clash on EVs in labor policy visions
Michigans U.S. Senate candidates are running on their records regarding labor and economic policy, but they are opposed on the role of electric vehicles. Democrat Rep. Elissa Slotkin has received dozens of union endorsements, including the Utility Workers Union of America, the Building Trades Council, and the Michigan Education Association. Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers says the government-mandated push for electric vehicles will cause industrial harm, and that pushing Michigans auto industry to electric too quickly will only exacerbate the problem.
Amplifiers:
Just The News
justthenews.com
For U.S. Senate candidates in Michigan, EVs are a major issue, both in terms of jobs and climate
Democrat Rep. Elissa Slotkin and Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers are running for U.S. Senate in Michigan. Both candidates are opposed on the role of electric vehicles. Slotkin has supported the Biden administrations push for electric vehicles, arguing it is better to proactively create auto jobs and source EV materials in Michigan, rather than rely on China. Rogers says pushing Michigans auto industry to electric too quickly will only exacerbate the problem.
Amplifiers:
The Tennessee Star
tennesseestar.com
Michigan U.S. Senate Candidates Clash on Electric Vehicles in Labor Policy Visions - Tennessee Star
Michigan U.S. Senate candidates are running on their records regarding labor and economic policy, but they are opposed on the role of electric vehicles. Democrat Rep. Elissa Slotkin has received dozens of union endorsements, including the Utility Workers Union of America, the Building Trades Council, and the Michigan Education Association. Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers says the government-mandated push for electric vehicles will cause industrial harm. The most recent polling shows Slotkin ahead of Rogers 47 percent to 41 percent.
Amplifiers:
Twitchy
twitchy.com
As Kamala Runs on Vibes, More Americans Forced to Choose Between Buying Food and Paying Electric Bills
As Kamala Harris runs on Vibes, more Americans are forced to choose between buying food and paying energy bills. Kamala herself admitted bread and beef prices are up 50%. Meanwhile, 39% of adults are worried about paying their bills, credit card debt is at an all time high, many Americans are working two jobs.

Context

The issues highlighted in the summary reflect broader demographic, social, economic, political, and military considerations in the United States. Demographically, the U.S. faces challenges related to family structures and child-rearing, as indicated by J.D. Vance's comments on childless leaders. This speaks to a generational divide and differing values regarding family and community responsibilities.

Economically, the expiration of the 2017 GOP tax law poses significant implications for millions of Americans, potentially increasing tax burdens and affecting disposable income. The rising cost of living, particularly in housing and food, exacerbates economic pressures on families, with home prices increasing significantly since 2021. The focus on the care economy by political figures like Kamala Harris highlights the need for policies that support working families, particularly in child care and elder care.

Politically, the shifting allegiances of figures like Tulsi Gabbard illustrate the fluidity of party identities and the potential for new coalitions to emerge. The debate over electric vehicles in Michigan underscores the tension between traditional industries and the push for green technology, reflecting broader national security concerns about energy independence and economic resilience.

Geographically, the U.S. is diverse, with varying economic conditions and political landscapes across states, influencing local policies and national debates. National security considerations are intertwined with economic policies, as the U.S. seeks to maintain its global competitiveness while addressing domestic challenges. The interplay of these factors shapes the political discourse and policy priorities as the nation navigates complex social and economic landscapes.