It Takes More Than Fact Checks to Beat Populists

Voting-behavior researchers are increasingly convinced that while fake news influences voting intentions, fact-checking it doesn't correct that shift. A recent paper based on material from this year's French presidential election, however, goes further than that: It shows that voters presented with the actual facts pertaining to a populist politician's pet subject become more likely to vote for the populist.

The finding -- and the other recent research into voter behavior -- presents a challenge both to mainstream media figures and to politicians trying to hold the fort against populist rivals. They shouldn't assume the mantle of ignorance fighters: They lose voters when they're uncharismatic and inept at building convincing narratives.