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Sept. research ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Sept. research ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

By AI-ChatGPT4o-T.Chr.-Human Synthesis-20 April 2025

Ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Americans are turning to a diverse array of sources for political news, reflecting a fragmented media landscape. A Pew Research Center survey conducted in September 2024 highlights the most commonly cited outlets:​

  • Fox News: 13% of U.S. adults identify Fox News as their primary source for political news, with usage notably higher among those aged 65 and older.
  • CNN: 10% of respondents consider CNN their main source, marking a slight decline from previous years.​
  • Other Notable Sources: At least 2% of Americans mention each of the following as their main source: local TV stations, national TV news channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC), NPR, The New York Times, and X (formerly Twitter). ​

Additionally, about 32% of Americans cite sources outside the top 10, and 17% report having no main source or declined to answer.

Platforms for Political News:

The platforms Americans use for political news vary significantly by age:​

  • Television: Overall, 35% of U.S. adults rely on TV as their primary platform for election news. This includes 63% of those aged 65 and older.​
  • News Websites or Apps: 21% of adults turn to these digital platforms.​
  • Social Media: 20% use social media platforms, with nearly half (46%) of adults under 30 citing it as their main source. (8%), radio (5%), podcasts (5%), and print newspapers or magazines (3%). ​

Influence of Digital Media and Social Platforms:

Digital influencers on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and X have become significant news sources, especially among younger demographics. Approximately 20% of Americans regularly obtain news from these influencers. Notably, a Pew Research Center study found that during the presidential campaign, news influencers were more likely to provide positive coverage about Donald Trump than Kamala Harris. ​

Partisan Preferences:

  • Republicans: More likely to use Fox News and conservative talk radio as sources.​
  • Democrats: Tend to prefer CNN, MSNBC, NPR, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. ​

These patterns underscore the varied and evolving ways Americans engage with political news, influenced by age, platform preference, and political affiliation.​

​In November 2024, Fox News and Fox Business published several articles critical of President Joe Biden, focusing on his cognitive abilities, economic policies, and leadership decisions. Here are some notable examples:​

1. Sean Hannity: Biden's 2024 'Basement Bunker' Campaign

In this piece, Sean Hannity criticized President Biden's re-election campaign strategy, suggesting that Biden is avoiding public appearances due to concerns about his cognitive health. Hannity pointed out that Biden has held fewer press conferences than any president in the last 40 years and questioned his ability to lead effectively. ​Fox News

2. Larry Kudlow: Biden Will Lose in 2024

Larry Kudlow argued that President Biden's economic record would be his downfall in the upcoming election. He highlighted polls showing low approval ratings for Biden's handling of inflation and the economy, and criticized claims about job growth and wage increases. Kudlow concluded that Biden's economic policies have led to decreased real wages and increased living costs for Americans. ​Fox Business

3. Stuart Varney: A Vote of 'No Confidence'

Stuart Varney contended that the 2024 election might serve as a referendum on Biden's leadership, citing decisions like ending America's energy independence and the withdrawal from Afghanistan as factors that have eroded public trust. Varney suggested that these actions have led to a perception of inefficiency and ineffectiveness in the Biden administration. ​Fox Business

4. Polls Indicate Low Approval Ratings

Fox News reported on polls indicating that President Biden faced low approval ratings on economic issues and immigration, with only 33% approving of his economic performance. The article also noted that a significant majority of Americans, including many Democrats, opposed Biden running for re-election, primarily due to concerns about his age. ​Fox News+2Fox News+2Fox News+2

These articles reflect a broader trend in Fox News' coverage during that period, emphasizing skepticism about President Biden's policies and leadership capabilities as he pursued re-election.