Behind the Curtain: The big media era is over

The big picture: When we speak around the country, we often tell audiences that when you’re sitting at a table of people of different ages and politics, several of them probably get their information on platforms you’ve never visited … from popular influencers you’ve never heard of … on topics that might seem exotic or totally new.

Big, traditional media still has its moments — presidential debates, town halls and sit-down interviews. But even then, most of the narrative-shaping is done in quick-twitch video bites or reinterpretation on podcasts, social platforms or YouTube.

Revenge Tour Goes Off the Rails, U.S. News & World Report
Trump’s MSG rally featured false claims, vulgar language, and harsh attacks, with a comedian calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage” and labeling Harris “the Antichrist.”

Harris Stiff-Arms President Biden, Axios
Harris’ campaign rejected President Biden’s offers to join her on the trail, viewing him as a political risk amid his low approval ratings, while quietly navigating his ego to maintain distance.

Another Poll, Same Results, ABC News
Vice President Harris regained a narrow lead among likely voters nationally, but with the race still too close to call, the election outcome hinges on the Electoral College.

Here Are the Counties To Watch, NPR
Counties like Montgomery, PA, Waukesha, WI, Wayne, MI, and more could decide 2024, as Harris tries to replicate Biden’s 2020 wins while Trump targets key Democratic groups.

Is Hamas Open to a Gaza Deal?, The Times of Israel
Hamas official Husam Badran said the group is open to a deal with Israel as talks resume in Doha, hinging on prior commitments and a potential Egyptian-brokered ceasefire.

1. Presidential race
   Most voters think former President Donald Trump will not concede if he loses the 2024 presidential election, according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS, with a sizable minority of his backers saying losing candidates have no obligation to do so.
2. Days after The Washington Post announced it would not endorse a presidential candidate, its billionaire owner remains silent. Jeff Bezos has so far declined to comment, even as his own paper’s journalists reported that he was the one who ultimately spiked the planned endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.