Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently expressed concerns about a potential disinformation campaign targeting Vice President Kamala Harris. In a conversation with Margaret Hoover, host of Firing Line, Clinton suggested that the disinformation attack, referred to as an “October surprise,” could intensify this month. The intention, she warned, would be to “distort and pervert Kamala Harris” to influence public opinion ahead of the election.
Based on her experience during the 2016 presidential elections, Clinton pointed to the likelihood of a coordinated effort to tarnish Harris’ public image by spreading false narratives and conspiracy theories about her record and character. She underscored the high-profile status of Vice President Harris as making her a prime target for such tactics as Election Day nears.
Clinton cited the 2016 “Pizzagate” scandal, now debunked, as an example of the potential reach and harm of disinformation campaigns. The conspiracy theory falsely implicated Clinton in a child trafficking operation run out of a Washington, D.C. pizza restaurant. “The crazy story about me running a child trafficking operation out of a basement of a pizzeria,” Clinton reflected, discussing the absurdity of the claims that gained enough traction to incite an armed North Carolina man to confront the fictitious situation.
Pointing to the real-world dangers of such false narratives, Clinton used this event to illustrate how quickly disinformation can escalate. She warned against the possibility of a similar campaign against Harris in the run-up to the 2024 elections. Clinton also emphasized the role of social media platforms and fringe news outlets in promoting these conspiracy theories. “It starts online, often on the dark web,” she noted, explaining the trajectory of disinformation from obscure internet corners to mainstream discourse.
Clinton also expressed concerns about potential foreign interference in the upcoming election, suggesting that countries like Russia, Iran, and China might propagate false narratives about candidates, including Harris, using social media platforms. “The digital airwaves will be filled with misinformation,” she predicted, urging vigilance.
Clinton drew parallels with the 2016 election, where Russian operatives used social media to spread divisive narratives and disinformation, undermining trust in the electoral process. She argued that similar tactics could be employed now, with foreign actors fueling narratives specifically targeting Harris. She urged both social media platforms to proactively curb the spread of disinformation, and the media to maintain a consistent narrative about the risks posed by false information.
Clinton also stressed the necessity for journalists to fact-check and debunk misinformation before it gains widespread acceptance. She cautioned the public to remain skeptical of outrageous claims, particularly ones designed to incite fear or doubt. “The press needs a consistent narrative about the danger Trump poses,” she stated.
While Clinton admitted uncertainty about the exact form the disinformation campaign against Harris could take, she was certain that some form of attack would surface. She encouraged voters, the media, and political leaders to remain vigilant and ready to counter any false narratives that might emerge. She warned particularly against disinformation campaigns exploiting biases and stoking divisions among voters by focusing on Harris’s race, gender, or past political record.
Clinton’s concerns arrive as the 2024 election draws near and worries about disinformation persist. Recent elections, both domestically and internationally, have shown how potent and pervasive false information can be in shaping public opinion and voter behavior.
CBS News recently reported on a disinformation campaign, flagged by Microsoft, that targeted Vice President Harris. This campaign, traced back to Russia-linked entities, involved fabricated videos falsely accusing Harris of involvement in a hit-and-run accident 13 years ago in San Francisco, California. Groups from Iran and China were also reportedly involved, aiming to disrupt the U.S. elections.
Microsoft’s threat intelligence report confirmed that the fabricated story was a disinformation effort from a troll farm connected to Russia. “We’ve seen it before, and we’re seeing it again,” Clinton said, citing her own experience in 2016. She stressed the danger of such tactics and urged all Americans to be vigilant against attempts to manipulate the truth.
