There will always be an audience for a particular type of story about the 2016 election — claims that Russia’s social media activity powered President Trump’s eventual victory. There is a sizable portion of the American public that believes Trump’s electoral-vote victory was illegitimate; some large percentage of that group will readily attribute the win directly to Russia’s efforts. …
It’s a compelling idea! And, lo, we arrive at a new study, reported by NBC News and Axios, that suggests a link between Russian social media efforts (specifically on Twitter) and Trump’s support in the polls during the election campaign. CONT.
Philip Bump, Washington Post