Former Biden Disinformation Chief Speaks Out About Right-Wing Harassment Campaign

Introduction

The past year has been a challenging and difficult one for me, both personally and as a public figure. As a mom, as someone trying to understand what was happening, I found myself at the center of a right-wing hate campaign and facing the effects of disinformation and online abuse on our democracy. This is not normal. It discourages people from pursuing public service and undermines the way our democracy works. In this article, I want to raise awareness about the impact of online abuse and disinformation and call out those responsible for their actions.

The Burden of Security

The toll on my security and my family's security has been immense. We have had to significantly alter our lives to ensure our safety. But amid all the difficulties, I am determined to use this experience to shed light on what can happen to public officials who are targeted by hate campaigns and to emphasize the detrimental effect of disinformation and online abuse on our democratic processes. It hasn't been an easy year, but I can take it. I want to make sure that individuals like Josh Hawley, Jim Jordan, and entities like Fox News, which propagate misinformation, are held accountable for the harm they cause.

Seeking Accountability: Taking Legal Action against Fox News

As part of my effort to hold those responsible accountable, I am planning to sue Fox News. The way in which Fox consistently lied about me and manipulated my viewpoints became evident through their numerous fabricated statements. It is not just about insults; it is about Fox News creating false narratives and misleading their viewers. The impact of their lies extended beyond mere insults, as I experienced waves of hateful comments and even death threats following mentions of me on their network—ten months after I left government. Pursuing legal action against entities that hold truth and the well-being of individuals like me in contempt is crucial for democracy and national security.

The Importance of Individual Action and Advocacy

In the face of such attacks, it is vital to maintain a sense of accountability and fight back against online abuse and harassment. As I outlined in my book, "How to Be a Woman Online: Surviving Abuse and Harassment," there are systemic problems that need to be addressed. However, individuals with resources and tools at their disposal can make use of them to navigate such challenges. Personally, I hired a private security consultant who emphasized the importance of implementing the advice I had laid out in my book. This not only allowed me to handle the attacks more effectively but also highlighted the necessity for individuals to be cautious about what they share online, use password managers, and stand their ground in the digital sphere.

Resilience and Building Support Networks

One of the crucial aspects I emphasize in my book is the importance of not being silenced. It is essential to let these abusers and disinformation perpetrators know that their attempts to silence us will not work. Building a community and having support networks are vital in withstanding these attacks. While unfortunate, this is the reality of being a public figure or even just a citizen in our digital democracy today. I am glad I had the experience to learn and grow from it. Though I wish I did not have to endure it to make a point, my hope is that others can learn from my experiences and forge a path forward.

Conclusion

The impact of online abuse and disinformation on public officials and our democracy is deeply troubling. It discourages individuals from pursuing public service, erodes trust in our institutions, and distorts the way our democracy functions. Through raising awareness and seeking accountability, we can begin to address these issues. It is essential to have individuals take action, both in terms of personal responsibility and legal measures, to combat online abuse and ensure a healthier digital democracy for future generations.