Russia shifts election tactics to target Harris and Walz
- Microsoft's report reveals a shift in Russian influence operations targeting Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as the election approaches.
- These campaigns have utilized fake videos and social media accounts to spread conspiracy theories and false claims about Harris.
- The U.S. government is increasing efforts to disrupt these operations, anticipating a rise in attacks on the Harris-Walz campaign.
Recent reports from Microsoft indicate a significant shift in Russian election interference tactics, focusing on Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the U.S. presidential election approaches. Initially, Russian influence operations struggled to adapt after President Biden exited the 2024 race in July. However, by August, these campaigns began producing content targeting Harris and Walz, aiming to exploit perceived weaknesses in their candidacies. The Microsoft Threat Analysis Center highlighted various campaigns that have emerged, including a baseless accusation against Harris regarding a supposed hit-and-run incident in 2011. This claim was disseminated through a fabricated local news website and featured a video with an actress posing as the victim, despite the lack of any evidence supporting the incident. Additionally, other misleading videos have surfaced, including one that allegedly shows an attack by Harris supporters on a Trump rally attendee, which gained millions of views. Another video falsely claimed to depict a billboard in Times Square with misleading information about Harris, further amplifying conspiracy theories surrounding her policies. As the election date nears, U.S. government efforts to counteract these Russian influence operations have intensified. Microsoft anticipates that the attacks on the Harris-Walz campaign will escalate, reflecting a broader strategy by Russian actors to sway American voters and potentially assist former President Donald Trump in regaining the presidency.