2018 Toss Up Elections-Final Thoughts-Podcast 758

The 2018 Midterm election season has been most noteworthy for its twists and turns. Now as we head into the final month of the campaigns, find out what to look for on election day in 2018 Toss Up Elections-Final Thoughts-Podcast 758.

Media Cherry Picks Stats

Then there’s the media’s habit of cherry picking statistics. They call it ‘political coverage’. Statistics prove the story line. Damn lies convince us none of this has ever happened before.

Predictions of Doom

The president’s approval rating has never been worse. Voters have never been more fired up. If things continue the way they are now, terrible outcomes are inevitable. The president’s political party always loses seats in a midterm. Are these predictions of doom true? Learn more in 2018 Toss Up Elections-Final Thoughts-Podcast 758.

Polls Don’t Lie. The Media Lies

Finally, in my experience making predictions about statewide and house elections based on national polls and baselines is problematic although some research suggests they may be reliable predictors in midterm elections. There just isn’t enough information to say one way or another what will happen. That’s why we wait and see what the vote actually turns out to be.

Labels and Beliefs

Meanwhile these days we’re awash in labels and broadly held beliefs in pure nonsense. So and so is a “transformational figure”. A “disaster” has changed voting in a district or state forever.

Be The Change

I believe it’s time to change how we cover politics and I am putting my podcasts where my mouth is in this series on the midterm election toss ups. A close look at the data. A fair shake for the candidates. Letting the listeners and subscribers decide for themselves. Putting all the data in the podcasts so you can compare on election night. That’s what it’s all about for The Bob Davis Podcasts for Election 2018 coverage.

In conclusion, through all of it, I have to say I have no idea what will happen on November 6th, 2018, and neither does anyone else.

That’s up to you.

Sponsored by Johantgen Jewelers and Reliafund Payment Processing

2018 Toss Up Elections-Final Thoughts-Podcast 758

 

 

 

 

Conformists Open Road-New Social Media Puritans-Podcast 729

Do you believe in individual freedom? These days governments, institutions and big companies act as though they make the rules. Most of all when it comes to rights. Learn why I say this in Conformists Open Road-New Social Media Puritans-Podcast 729.

A Post About The Republican Convention Is A No No?

I covered the state republican convention in Duluth, Minnesota. My post included a title referring to the Minnesota Republican Party and a photo I took of conventioneers. No political advertising in the podcast or post. In addition, I don’t do political advertising. Podcast 728 is an account of the convention and my observations about what I saw.

It is pure citizen journalism.

Blocked From Advertising

Podcast 728 got great response on social media, so I decided to advertise it. I was shocked when FaceBook blocked me from boosting that post.

Change Your Settings and Conform

Moreover Podcast 728 could not be advertised unless I changed The Bob Davis Podcasts FaceBook page settings to allow for ‘political advertising’. If I did this, all my boosted posts would contain a warning. Find out about it in Conformists Open Road-New Social Media Puritans-Podcast 729.

Maybe Artificial Intelligence Isn’t That Intelligent

I was not silenced by FaceBook but their silly rules did prevent me from promoting. What’s more I have the impression this review was conducted by robots rather than humans. If they actually reviewed my content any reasonable human would conclude the post was not political advertising. What FaceBook is doing is violating the 1st amendment rights of news organizations and citizen journalists.

Take a look and see what you think.

Fear Of Offense Drives Silly Rules

Especially relevant is the question of what happens when you can’t advertise or talk about any subject because of the fear of offending someone.

God Forbid anyone might see something they disagree with!

Yeah the Internet is an open road. For conformists only.

Rugged Individualism? Don’t Make Me Laugh!

While politicians talk about rugged individualism there seems to be less of it.

These days it’s rigged collectivism.

FaceBook Is The New K-Mart

In conclusion rules and regulations and blocks do not make for a free exchange of ideas. It is most noteworthy that content creators find ways around these rules anyway.

Microsoft used to be the software King Kong. Better companies and better ideas eventually eclipsed the Seattle Giant.  The lesson? Bad service and silly rules are a recipe for failure. Big Social Media is vulnerable to competitors that innovate and promote free speech.

What Do You Do When You Are On An Open Road?

Sometimes following the rules is the worst thing you can do.

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

Conformists Open Road-New Social Media Puritans-Podcast 729


 

FaceBook’s Very Bad No Good Data Breach Elected A Bad Person-Something Must Be Done-Podcast 708

These days when something goes wrong seems like we want a new law. A new social media data breach links FaceBook to the 2016 election outcome. Due to the controversy regulation might not be far away. In FaceBook’s Very Bad No Good Data Breach Elected A Bad Person-Something Must Be Done-Podcast 708.

FaceBook Back In The News

A whistle blower says a data analytics firm duped FaceBook out of tens of millions of social media profiles. What’s more, right wing political operatives used the data to influence voters in the US possibly impacting the presidential race.

This Story Has It All

Shadowy political operatives, Russians, Social Media Companies, and crazy new tactics. Get ahead of the story with FaceBook’s Very Bad No Good Data Breach Elected A Bad Person-Something Must Be Done-Podcast 708.

Was This A Crime or Just Political Shenanigans

Especially relevant is whether this is a serious and illegal data breach. Or just another example of political shenanigans? Much as it stings, did they take your credit card numbers? Personal data? Nope. Probably just your FaceBook history and the histories of your friends.

FaceBook Is Back On The Hot Seat

Most noteworthy is Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar’s announcement that she wants FaceBook’s Mark Zuckerberg to testify. Because the social media giant tried to kill the story then admitted it was true, this testimony could be pivotal.

Your Data? Really?

Truth is, these companies sell data. Consequently, you sign over the rights to your data when you sign up. The question here is who owns the data? Did Cambridge Analytica use fraud to obtain the data from FaceBook? More importantly what election laws were violated if any? If not, it’s civil issue between FaceBook and companies and parties involved in the alleged fraud.

Break Up Big Tech!

Lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum can’t wait to regulate evil Silicon Valley companies.

Get Your Grubby Government Hands Off Information

Nobody likes being manipulated. Yet, do we want the grubby hands of government all over free speech and information? Most of all, does this mean we have to pass laws controlling big tech? Seems like closing the barn door after the horses have escaped.

Bring On The Disruption

Seems like the digital revolution has effected media and politics lately. In addition the interest in regulation in this area is increasing. What if we accelerated the disruption instead?

Who’s to Blame? Where’s the Mirror

In conclusion, a question. Are individual citizens are responsible for themselves? If we get our news from social media and then become confused or feel controlled, maybe we ought to be looking in the mirror. Furthermore, politics is a dirty business. Operatives are always looking for an edge. Finally, while not excusing any illegal behavior, maybe we are all part of the problem rather than the solution.

We’re In Charge Of Our Own Culture

Consequently, it might be time to start taking responsibility for what we believe and the decisions we make.

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing of Saint Paul

FaceBook’s Very Bad No Good Data Breach Elected A Bad Person-Something Must Be Done-Podcast 708