The X factor
With Election Day literally around the corner, one threat that deserves a lot more attention is Elon Musk’s ability — as the owner of X — to spread election disinformation and help Donald Trump. Musk has already used his platform to amplify baseless claims around voter fraud in Pennsylvania and rehash conspiracy theories about the “stolen” 2020 election.
Election officials across the country are already doing everything they can to counter misinformation in real time — they’re calling out false claims, sharing verified information and taking to the airwaves to clarify facts. But Musk has made it clear he’s not interested in engaging with election officials or correcting incorrect statements. Stephen Richer, a Republican election official in Maricopa County, Arizona, shared the great lengths he and others have gone to — including having friends “hand deliver” materials to Musk personally — to try to curb the spread of misinformation on X. But so far, according to Richer, all attempts have been unsuccessful.
What’s more, under Musk, X seems to be giving false election claims even more traction than before. Despite Musk’s claims that X’s “fact-checking program” would be able to keep falsehoods in check, false and misleading posts are estimated to have received billions of views this election cycle.
Musk’s own account has over 200 million followers. And though many secretaries of state have worked aggressively to correct false posts, it’s practically impossible for government officials to keep up with Musk’s multibillion-dollar misinformation mouthpiece. While Trump may follow the same playbook as 2020, back then he didn’t have Musk to amplify his disinformation. And that alone should be cause for concern.
Three counties to watch
Here are three crucial counties I will be watching closely on Tuesday.
Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania
In 2012, Barack Obama carried Lackawanna County, home to Scranton, by close to 28 points; in 2016, Hillary Clinton’s lead had shrunk to under 4 points. Joe Biden won the county by around 8 in 2020, reflecting a surge in local support. But without Scranton Joe on the ticket, the question remains: Will the county’s predominantly blue-collar, Irish Catholic voters trend more Republican? If Trump gets close to Kamala Harris’ numbers here, he’ll have reason to feel confident about Pennsylvania.
Fayette County, Georgia
Near the reliably blue metro Atlanta area, Fayette is one of the best indicators of growing Democratic Party enthusiasm in Georgia. Obama received over 33% of Fayette’s vote in 2012, Clinton took 38% in 2016, and Biden reached almost 46% in 2020. If Harris’ performance aligns closely with Biden’s, it will suggest the Democratic turnout machine is running smoothly.
Wayne County, Michigan Wayne County, with over 140,000 Arab American residents, has one of the nation’s largest concentrations of Middle Eastern and North African voters. This may prove to be one of the most important indicators of how third-party votes are affecting election results. As election misinformation spikes, now is the time to ensure you and your friends have reliable resources for accurate voting information. One key tool is the multilingual election protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). Staffed by trained, nonpartisan experts and attorneys, the hotline is here to help voters navigate challenges at the polls and track reports of issues. Remember: Your vote deserves to be counted. Show up, stay informed and ensure your voice is heard. This Sunday, we’re thrilled to welcome comedian Billy Eichner to the show! Known for his unforgettable “Billy on the Street” segments, Eichner brings a sharp, fearless style to comedy that always gets people talking. This election cycle, he’s dived headfirst into politics as the head of “Loud White Men for Kamala” alongside Will Ferrell. He’s also shared some incredibly powerful comments on the stakes of this election. I couldn’t be more thrilled to dive into election coverage with him. You don’t want to miss it.
Jen Psaki is the host of "The Briefing with Jen Psaki" airing Tuesdays through Fridays at 9 p.m. EST. She is the former White House press secretary for President Joe Biden. Recommended
A resource you should know: The multilingual election protection hotline
An interview I’m excited for: Comedian Billy Eichner
