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The Need for Political TransparencyThe inception of the Political Messaging Archive was driven by the diminishing transparency of campaign promises as political communication shifts towards online platforms and mobile devices. Historically, the public could access and review television and radio advertisements, such as those from Ronald Reagan's campaigns. However, the evolution to online advertising and direct-to-voter communications through emails and text messages has obscured what politicians convey to different voter segments. Recognizing this, we established an archive in 2016 to collect online political advertisements from platforms like Facebook and Google during U.S. elections. As the landscape of political messaging continues to incorporate not only ads and social media posts but also direct text and email communications, we have expanded our efforts to include these forms in our archive. Our goal is to ensure comprehensive transparency in political messaging, providing the public with the information necessary to make informed decisions in an increasingly digital age. |
The Future of Political Messaging: A Historical RecordWho said what and to whom in 2024? The Political Messaging Archive diligently collects political messages from 2024, creating a comprehensive public archive. This resource enables journalists, researchers, and the general public to track the commitments and assertions made during campaigns. As voters are set to receive an unprecedented volume of political emails, text messages, and targeted social media ads this year, the need for transparency has never been greater. Often, voters perceive only one facet of a politician, influenced by their specific media bubble. However, without insight into the various personas presented to different voter segments, a true understanding of political intentions remains elusive. The Political Messaging Archive aims to bridge this gap by capturing political communications across diverse conversation and news bubbles, revealing the full spectrum of messages conveyed. |
Uncovering the Truth: Analyzing Political MessagesThe Political Messaging Archive offers a powerful tool for uncovering the truth within the labyrinth of political communication. By providing journalists, researchers, and the public with the ability to view, search, and analyze political messages in a timely manner, this resource will democratize access to information that was once obscure, overlooked or inaccessible. Users of the archive will not only be able to search and browse through a comprehensive collection of political dialogues but also interact with a chatbot designed to assist in navigating this vast data pool. Additionally, the archive will feature interactive data visualizations that bring complex information to life, making it easier to understand trends, discrepancies, and the real narratives behind political promises. This multifaceted approach ensures a deeper, more nuanced understanding of political messaging, enabling a more informed electorate. Beta launch is June 2024. |
