Twice-failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton turned a retirement party held for Democratic Senator Harry Reid on Tuesday into a lecture about the dangers posed by an “epidemic of malicious fake news and propaganda.”
Clinton offered no specifics but called on both the government and private companies to clamp down on “fake news,” which she said is putting innocent lives at risk.
“Let me just mention briefly one threat in particular that should concern all Americans, Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike and especially those that serve in our Congress: the epidemic of malicious, fake news and false propaganda that flooded social media over the past year,” Clinton said.
“It’s now clear that so-called fake news can have real world consequences. This isn’t about politics or partisanship. Lives are at risk. Lives of ordinary people just trying to go about their days to do their jobs, contribute to their communities.”
Clinton said “fake news “is a danger that must be addressed, and addressed quickly. Bipartisan legislation is making its way through Congress to boost he governments response to foreign propaganda, and Silicon Valley is starting to grapple with the challenge and threat posed by fake news.” At no point did Clinton offer a definition of “fake news,” a term that some journalists have struggled to define even as they declare war on “fake news.” (RELATED: Journalists Struggle To Define ‘Fake News’ Even As They Declare War On It)
Before returning her speech’s focus back to its intended focus, Senator Reid, Hillary said, “It’s imperative that leaders in both the private and the public sector step up to protect democracy and innocent lives.”
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