Best of AP — Honorable Mention

Armed with sensitivity and hard facts, AP talks with ‘Big Lie’ believers

Former President Donald Trump addresses a MAGA rally via video at the River's Edge Apple River Concert Venue in New Richmond, Wis., June 12, 2021, as thousands of Trump’s loyal supporters came together under the blazing sun to live in an alternate reality where the former president was still in office — or would soon return. The rally was organized by MyPillow entrepreneur-turned conspiracy peddler Mike Lindell. (AP Photo / Jill Colvin)
AP_21166654431675_hm-lies1.jpg

Washington reporter Jill Colvin deftly explored political conspiracy theories and those who embrace them, traveling to Wisconsin where thousands of Donald Trump’s most loyal supporters recently gathered to hear speakers, including the former president himself on video, push the lie that the 2020 election was stolen.

The subject is challenging to report without bringing more attention to the conspiracies or needlessly demeaning adherents who, though deeply misguided, genuinely believe the lies that are being advanced. Yet this work is critical to understanding the political dynamics that are unfolding every day in the U.S.

Her story stands out from much of the reporting on this right-wing movement because Colvin took the time to listen — really listen — to the people who attended and to understand what motivates them to accept outlandish theories.

But Colvin didn’t hold back. Rather than relying on vague adjectives or stock fact-checking paragraphs, she built a narrative that repeatedly points to concrete evidence of what actually happened in the 2020 election. Using direct and pointed language, she makes clear that these baseless claims are completely false and part of a broader pattern of events centered on deceit. “Taken together, the gatherings have gelled into a convention circuit of delusion centered on the false premise that the election was stolen,” she wrote.

The result is revealing and distinctive journalism. Brian Stelter led his widely-read media newsletter with Colvin’s story, saying it “perfectly sums up this moment in politics.”

Contact us
FOLLOW AP