Optics

THE SPIN REPORT · OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 6

The week’s widest wording gaps.

The Optics Desk

These are the stories the left and right described most differently this week — ranked by how far apart the wording was. Same events, opposite first impressions. Here’s the split, and the loaded words doing the work.

  1. 1

    Trump meets Russian envoy in Washington ahead of Ukraine peace talks, claims 'big, beautiful agreement' coming

    Left-leaningNo match yetStill watching for a left pickup
    Right-leaningTrump Meets With Putin’s Envoy Ahead of Trilateral Talks With Russia, UkraineEpoch Times WorldMixed
    Center baseline · Kyiv IndependentHighTrump meets Russian envoy in Washington ahead of Ukraine peace talks, claims 'big, beautiful agreement' coming

    Dawn Pakistan and Epoch Times World describe the same event in different terms.

    3 sources · 0L / 2C / 1R · see the full split →
  2. 2

    Federal judge orders 14-day delay on any work beginning on Trump's monumental arch

    Left-leaningCenter-leftNCPC approves plan to build Trump's triumphal archThe Hill HomeHigh
    Right-leaningCenter-rightFederal judge temporarily blocks construction of Trump's Arlington triumphal arch hours after approvalFox NewsMixed
    Center baseline · WVEC 13News Now (Tegna, Norfolk)HighFederal judge orders 14-day delay on any work beginning on Trump's monumental arch

    Axios and The Washington Times describe the same event in different terms.

    11 sources · 4L / 5C / 2R · see the full split →
  3. 3

    US accuses trio of using AI to impersonate CEOs and lawyers to steal US$129 million

    Left-leaningCenter-left3 charged in scheme to use AI to impersonate CEOs and attorneys to steal $129 millionThe Seattle TimesHigh
    Right-leaningNo match yetStill watching for a right pickup
    Center baseline · South China Morning PostMostly FactualUS accuses trio of using AI to impersonate CEOs and lawyers to steal US$129 million

    Business Insider reaches for "barely" where South China Morning Post stays flat.

    3 sources · 2L / 1C / 0R · see the full split →
  4. 4

    Pete Hegseth First, Todd Blanche Next? Democrats Eye Impeachment Push

    Left-leaningCenter-left2 House Democrats float idea of Blanche impeachmentThe Hill HomeHigh
    Right-leaningHouse Democrats Push to Impeach and Remove Attorney General Todd BlancheTruth PressLow
    Center baseline · NewsweekMostly FactualPete Hegseth First, Todd Blanche Next? Democrats Eye Impeachment Push

    The Hill Home and Truth Press describe the same event in different terms.

    3 sources · 1L / 1C / 1R · see the full split →
  5. 5

    Trump pins US stock market plunge on Democrats wiping out GOP in midterms: ‘Sad thing to watch!’

    Left-leaningCenter-leftTrump blames stock market nose-dive on Dems’ midterm victories — and this gripe is actually accurateThe IndependentMostly Factual
    Right-leaningCenter-rightTrump pins US stock market plunge on Democrats wiping out GOP in midterms: ‘Sad thing to watch!’NY Post PoliticsMixed

    The Independent and NY Post Politics describe the same event in different terms.

    3 sources · 1L / 0C / 2R · see the full split →
  6. 6

    Elderly Bondi shooting victim dies in hospital

    Left-leaningCenter-leftWoman shot during Bondi terror attack dies in hospitalThe Age (Australia)Mostly Factual
    Right-leaning90-Year-Old Wounded in Bondi Terror Attack Dies After Months of ComplicationsEpoch Times WorldMixed
    Center baseline · Arab NewsMixedElderly Bondi shooting victim dies in hospital

    The Age (Australia) and Epoch Times World describe the same event in different terms.

    3 sources · 1L / 1C / 1R · see the full split →