NPR

Why The 'Big Lie' Persists And How It's Shaping Politics

Members of the National Guard and the Washington, D.C., police keep a small group of demonstrators away from the Capital after thousands of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building following a "Stop the Steal" rally on Jan. 6, 2021. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

False claims of rampant election fraud and a stolen 2020 presidential election persist despite the fact that there is no evidence at all that it’s true.

A recent CNN poll finds 36% of Americans say they still don’t think President Biden legitimately won the presidency.

What gives this lie so much staying power, and who are the voters who believe it?

Host Scott Tong talks about this with Michael Bender, senior White House reporter for The Wall Street Journal and author of the book “Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost.”

Book Excerpt: ‘Frankly, We Did Win This Election’

By Michael Bender

Introduction

Armed Secret Service agents guarded the

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min readInternational Relations
Newly Elected Prime Minister In Solomon Islands Is Likely To Keep Close China Ties
Solomon Islands lawmakers elected former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele as prime minister Thursday in a development that suggests the South Pacific island nation will maintain close ties with China.
NPR5 min readWorld
Violence Erupts At UCLA As Protests Over Israel's War In Gaza Escalate Across The U.S.
Members of pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups in Los Angeles clashed, with reports of fireworks and pepper spray use. Elsewhere, universities are tearing down encampments and arresting students.
NPR4 min read
The Announcement Of A New Prime Minister Divides Haiti's Transitional Council
A surprise announcement that revealed Haiti's new prime minister is threatening to fracture a recently installed transitional council tasked with choosing new leaders for the gang-riddled country.

Related Books & Audiobooks