Election denialism

In recent weeks we've reported several times on election outcomes - and, of course the recent US election continues to dominate the news. Far from it being over with a clear victory for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, Trump continues to deny the outcome and fight against it in every way possible.

Judged from our privileged position here in NZ it all seems a bit comical at times. But there's a very serious side to it. The strategy as it's playing out is one familiar to observers of science denial - sowing the seeds of doubt. Claims of election fraud and the legal cases being run through the courts (and largely dismissed and laughed out of court) have a corrosive effect on trust in the process.

What is being alleged is widespread voter fraud, though no reasonable explanation is being offered as to how this could have been accomplished, how it could be engineered so as to rig the election, and importantly whether there's any actual evidence of this occurring. It certainly illustrates the importance of critical thinking, but unfortunately many people go with their gut feelings instead.