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2. Counting The Threats: 'I just work in IT – why am I getting threats from election deniers?'

Inside the election centre where workers face threats and abuse ahead of the 2024 presidential vote.

What are the real-world consequences of the belief that almost anything and everything can be staged or rigged – from assassination attempts to elections?

In Why Do You Hate Me? USA, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring is investigating how what’s happening online can shape the 2024 presidential election.

In this episode, Marianna continues her journey through Colorado to hear about what happens when some people no longer trust systems and institutions – and then send hate to the people they see complicit in unproven plots and conspiracies.

She meets the election workers who feared for their safety after Donald Trump and some of his supporters falsely claimed the 2020 election was stolen and public officials were overwhelmed with abuse and threats online. Could it possibly get worse this time around?

Host: Marianna Spring
Producers: Daniel Wittenberg & Emma Close
Story Editor: Matt Willis
Editor: Sam Bonham
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Sound Designer: Tony Churnside
Production Co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge

Available now

28 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Mon 30 Sep 2024 16:30
  • Tue 1 Oct 2024 23:00

Podcast