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Leaked audio shows Paxton saying GOP midterm convention hurt his polling

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Coverage spectrum

Covered by 16 outlets across the spectrum.

30 articles in total, 2 of them opinion. The spectrum counts each outlet once and leaves opinion out. How we measure bias

Audio obtained by The New York Times reportedly captures Texas Attorney General and GOP Senate nominee Ken Paxton telling donors at a private fundraiser that the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, heavily promoted by President Trump, hurt his campaign. “Everybody’s numbers dropped,” Paxton is heard saying. Paxton’s campaign called the report “manipulated nonsense” and said its own polling shows improvement. Trump said he had not heard the audio but defended the convention, citing 107 million views. Commentator Scott Jennings criticized Paxton’s remarks on CNN. According to one report, Paxton trails Democrat James Talarico by three points in polling averages.

Headline and summary written by Mantle’s AI from the coverage below, under published rules. How this works

What happened

Key points

Each point shows who reports it, from Far Left to Far Right.

  1. Audio obtained by The New York Times reportedly captures Paxton telling donors that the GOP midterm convention in Dallas hurt his polling numbers.

    Reported byLeftCenterRight

  2. Paxton’s campaign has called the report “manipulated nonsense” and says its internal polling shows his numbers improving.

    Reported byLeftCenter

  3. Trump said he had not heard the audio but defended the convention, citing 107 million views compared to 25 million for concurrent NFL games.

    Reported byLeftCenterRight

  4. Conservative commentator Scott Jennings criticized Paxton’s comments on CNN, saying he should have kept them to himself.

    Reported byLeftCenter

  5. Paxton is reported to be trailing Democrat James Talarico by about three points in polling averages.

    Reported byRight

  6. Some right-leaning coverage reports an internal effort to identify who leaked the audio, describing a list of attendees at the private event.

    Reported byRight

What is contested

Where accounts differ

Points the coverage does not agree on, and who says what.

  • Whether the leaked audio is authentic and accurately reflects Paxton’s views.

    The New York Times and outlets citing it treat the recording as genuine; Paxton’s campaign has called the report “manipulated nonsense” and disputes its characterization.

  • Whether the GOP midterm convention hurt or helped Republican candidates’ standing.

    Paxton is quoted saying the convention ‘dropped’ everyone’s numbers; Trump has disputed any negative effect, pointing to high viewership, while conceding Paxton ‘might have a point’ according to one right-leaning report.

How each side tells it

Compare views

  • the left

    9 outlets

    Left-leaning outlets frame the story as Paxton privately admitting Trump’s convention damaged his campaign, with the farthest-left outlet (Truthout, Daily Beast) using more dramatic language about Paxton ‘dragging Republicans down’ or ‘trashing’ Trump.

    Trump’s Weird Tirade on Midterms Accidentally Reveals Key GOP Weakness
    The New RepublicFar LeftAll left-leaning headlines

  • the center

    2 outlets

    Center outlets largely quote Paxton’s comments directly and report both the campaign’s denial and Trump’s response, with one Hill piece framed as opinion/commentary.

    Jennings on Paxton comments about Trump convention: 'Keep it to yourself'
    The HillCenterAll center headlines

  • the right

    5 outlets

    Right-leaning outlets focus on Trump’s response and, in one case, on an internal hunt for the leaker, with the Daily Mail using notably more sensational language than other right outlets.

    Trump's Sensational language“secret rage”Asserts Trump’s private emotional state as fact without attribution or evidence.More neutral: reported frustrationDisagree with this highlight? at Ken Paxton Sensational language“erupts”Dramatizes the reaction in a way that exaggerates the known facts.More neutral: respondsDisagree with this highlight?: List of 12 suspects is drawn up in Sensational language“hunt for”Dramatizes an internal review as a dramatic chase or investigation.More neutral: search forDisagree with this highlight? 'Loaded modifier“MAGA mole”Frames the source of the leak as a traitorous infiltrator rather than a neutral term like ‘source’ or ‘leaker’.More neutral: leak sourceDisagree with this highlight?' behind Sensational language“explosive audio leak”Uses dramatic language to characterize the leak beyond what is established.More neutral: audio leakDisagree with this highlight? in crucial Texas Senate race
    Daily MailRightAll right-leaning headlines

The words they chose

Language to notice

Words that carry a judgement beyond the facts. Tap a highlighted word anywhere on the page to see why.

  • Left15

    embattled Texas Attorney GeneralCaught Secretly Trashing Trumpdisastrous midterm conventionCaught Privately Trashing Trump

  • Center2

    went afterroast

  • Right12

    privately admittedadmittedshocking leaked confessionbackstabs Trump

In the outlets’ own words

  • Loaded modifier

    embattled Texas Attorney GeneralMore neutral: Texas Attorney General

    Pre-judges Paxton with a negative characterization not essential to the facts reported.

    The embattled Texas Attorney General was recorded saying Trump’s midterm convention in Dallas earlier this…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Caught Secretly Trashing TrumpMore neutral: privately criticizes Trump convention

    Frames private comments as a dramatic exposure rather than neutrally reporting the leaked remarks.

    Must-Win MAGA Senate Candidate Caught Secretly Trashing Trump

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    privately admittedMore neutral: privately said

    Same connotation of confession attached to a straightforward private remark.

    Texas AG Ken Paxton privately admitted GOP polling numbers dropped after the Dallas convention as he faces Democrat…

    Used byNew York Post (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    admittedMore neutral: said

    Implies wrongdoing or confession rather than neutrally describing a statement.

    Ken Paxton admitted ‘everybody’s numbers dropped’ after GOP midterm convention: report

    Used byNew York Post (Right)

Show 25 more phrasesShow fewer

  • Sensational language

    shocking leaked confessionMore neutral: leaked remarks

    Repeats the dramatized ‘confession’ framing that presumes wrongdoing.

    The shocking leaked confession is a complete break from the Texas attorney general's public image as one of…

    Used byDaily Mail (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    backstabs TrumpMore neutral: criticizes Trump convention

    Characterizes Paxton’s remark as a betrayal rather than describing what he actually said.

    Ken Paxton backstabs Trump in leaked audio recording...with shocking confession

    Used byDaily Mail (Right)

  • Sensational language

    shocking confessionMore neutral: leaked comments

    Adds dramatic judgment and implies guilt rather than neutrally reporting the remark.

    Ken Paxton backstabs Trump in leaked audio recording...with shocking confession

    Used byDaily Mail (Right)

  • Absolutist framing

    disastrous midterm conventionMore neutral: midterm convention

    States as settled fact that the convention was a disaster, a contested characterization.

    …nominee Ken Paxton privately admitted that President Donald Trump’s disastrous midterm convention in Dallas hurt Republican candidates.

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    Caught Privately Trashing TrumpMore neutral: privately criticizes Trump convention

    Frames the remark as an exposed act of disloyalty rather than a neutral statement.

    Ken Paxton Caught Privately Trashing Trump in Leaked Audio

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    AdmitsMore neutral: says

    Implies confession of wrongdoing rather than neutrally describing a statement.

    Ken Paxton Privately Admits Trump's Midterm Convention Negatively Affected Support

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    SlamsMore neutral: comments on

    Exaggerates the tone of Paxton’s remark beyond what the quoted words show.

    Ken Paxton Reportedly Slams Trump’s Midterm Convention Gambit: ‘Everybody’s Numbers Dropped’

    Used byThe Daily Caller (Far Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    GambitMore neutral: convention

    Characterizes the convention as a calculated scheme rather than neutrally naming the event.

    Ken Paxton Reportedly Slams Trump’s Midterm Convention Gambit: ‘Everybody’s Numbers Dropped’

    Used byThe Daily Caller (Far Right)

  • Loaded verb

    turns on TrumpMore neutral: criticizes Trump convention

    Frames the remark as an act of betrayal rather than neutrally describing the comment.

    Texas Senate candidate turns on Trump and blames him for faltering campaign: ‘Dropped our numbers’

    Used byThe Independent (Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    faltering campaignMore neutral: campaign

    Presents Paxton’s campaign status as a settled negative characterization.

    Texas Senate candidate turns on Trump and blames him for faltering campaign: ‘Dropped our numbers’

    Used byThe Independent (Left)

  • Loaded verb

    Caught on TapeMore neutral: recorded saying

    Implies wrongdoing or scandal rather than neutrally describing a recorded statement.

    Paxton Caught on Tape Saying Trump’s Midterm Convention Dragged Republicans Down

    Used byTruthout (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    Dragged Republicans DownMore neutral: hurt Republicans’ standing

    Characterizes the effect of Paxton’s comments in dramatic, judgmental terms rather than neutral description.

    Paxton Caught on Tape Saying Trump’s Midterm Convention Dragged Republicans Down

    Used byTruthout (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    deflectsMore neutral: responds to

    Characterizes Trump’s response as evasive rather than neutrally describing what he said.

    Trump deflects on audio of Paxton calling GOP convention a drag on polls

    Used byCBS News (Left)

  • Loaded verb

    blastedMore neutral: criticized

    Adds dramatic judgment to a routine description of criticism.

    MAGA political commentator Scott Jennings has blasted Ken Paxton after the Texas Senate candidate was recorded trashing Donald Trump for…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    flop midterm conventionMore neutral: midterm convention

    Presents a contested assessment of the convention’s success as settled fact.

    …York Times saying his polling numbers “dropped” after he attended Trump’s flop midterm convention in Dallas last month.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Job-HungryMore neutral: Scott Jennings

    Prejudges Jennings’ motives by attributing ambition behind his comments.

    Job-Hungry Scott Jennings Huffs at MAGA Candidate Caught Trashing Trump

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    HuffsMore neutral: criticizes

    Dramatizes Jennings’ criticism as petulant rather than neutrally describing his comments.

    Job-Hungry Scott Jennings Huffs at MAGA Candidate Caught Trashing Trump

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    Caught TrashingMore neutral: recorded criticizing

    Implies wrongdoing and uses inflammatory language to describe Paxton’s private remarks.

    Job-Hungry Scott Jennings Huffs at MAGA Candidate Caught Trashing Trump

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    went afterMore neutral: criticized

    Frames Jennings’ comments as an attack rather than neutrally describing criticism.

    Conservative commentator Scott Jennings went after Texas Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton on Wednesday over the latter’s comments…

    Used byThe Hill (Center)

  • Loaded verb

    roastMore neutral: criticism

    Characterizes Trump’s remarks about Paxton in a dramatic, mocking frame rather than neutrally describing them.

    And at the convention, the president is essentially doing a roast of his own Senate candidate’s wardrobe, speaking style and appearance before…

    Used byThe Hill (Center)

  • Sensational language

    secret rageMore neutral: reported frustration

    Asserts Trump’s private emotional state as fact without attribution or evidence.

    Trump's secret rage at Ken Paxton erupts: List of 12 suspects is drawn up in hunt for 'MAGA mole'…

    Used byDaily Mail (Right)

  • Sensational language

    eruptsMore neutral: responds

    Dramatizes the reaction in a way that exaggerates the known facts.

    Trump's secret rage at Ken Paxton erupts: List of 12 suspects is drawn up in hunt for 'MAGA mole' behind explosive audio leak…

    Used byDaily Mail (Right)

  • Sensational language

    hunt forMore neutral: search for

    Dramatizes an internal review as a dramatic chase or investigation.

    Trump's secret rage at Ken Paxton erupts: List of 12 suspects is drawn up in hunt for 'MAGA mole' behind explosive audio leak in crucial Texas Senate race

    Used byDaily Mail (Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    MAGA moleMore neutral: leak source

    Frames the source of the leak as a traitorous infiltrator rather than a neutral term like ‘source’ or ‘leaker’.

    …secret rage at Ken Paxton erupts: List of 12 suspects is drawn up in hunt for 'MAGA mole' behind explosive audio leak in crucial Texas Senate race

    Used byDaily Mail (Right)

  • Sensational language

    explosive audio leakMore neutral: audio leak

    Uses dramatic language to characterize the leak beyond what is established.

    …Paxton erupts: List of 12 suspects is drawn up in hunt for 'MAGA mole' behind explosive audio leak in crucial Texas Senate race

    Used byDaily Mail (Right)

See the full language guide

See for yourself

Side by side

What each side leads with and what it leaves out. Open a side to read its headlines.

From the left

9 outlets

Leads with

  • Paxton’s private admission
  • tension between Paxton and Trump
  • Republican infighting

Leaves out

  • Paxton campaign’s ‘manipulated nonsense’ denial (Daily Beast, CBS)
  • mole/leak investigation

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 9 headlines from the leftHide the headlines

From the center

2 outlets

Leads with

  • direct quotation of Paxton’s remarks
  • campaign’s denial of the recording
  • Jennings’ criticism

Leaves out

  • leak investigation details
  • Talarico polling margin

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 2 headlines from the centerHide the headlines

From the right

5 outlets

Leads with

  • Trump’s denial of hearing the audio
  • convention viewership figures
  • search for the source of the leak

Leaves out

  • Jennings’ on-air criticism of Paxton
  • campaign’s ‘manipulated nonsense’ response (in some outlets)

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 5 headlines from the rightHide the headlines

Articles you open from here build My Mix, a private picture of how your reading spreads across the spectrum, kept on this device. What is My Mix?

The left is Far Left and Left together. The right is Right and Far Right together. Every outlet keeps its own five-point rating.

Who reported it when

How the coverage built up

  • Left

    First to report

    The New York Times, Sep 30, 5:03 AM EDT

  • Center

    4 hr 47 min later

    Its first report, Sep 30, 9:50 AM EDT

  • Right

    2 hr 43 min later

    Its first report, Sep 30, 7:46 AM EDT

See the order the outlets reported inHide the order
  1. The New York TimesLeftSep 30, 5:03 AM EDT
  2. The Daily BeastFar LeftSep 30, 7:08 AM EDT
  3. New York PostRightSep 30, 7:46 AM EDT
  4. Daily MailRightSep 30, 8:01 AM EDT
  5. The New RepublicFar LeftSep 30, 9:08 AM EDT
  6. The HillCenterSep 30, 9:50 AM EDT
  7. Washington ExaminerRightSep 30, 10:21 AM EDT
  8. HuffPostFar LeftSep 30, 11:34 AM EDT
  9. The Daily CallerFar RightSep 30, 12:26 PM EDT
  10. The IndependentLeftSep 30, 1:11 PM EDT
  11. CBS NewsLeftSep 30, 1:48 PM EDT
  12. ABC NewsLeftSep 30, 2:52 PM EDT
  13. TruthoutFar LeftSep 30, 4:49 PM EDT
  14. Straight Arrow NewsCenterOct 1, 8:30 AM EDT
  15. The Washington TimesRightOct 1, 10:30 AM EDT
  16. NBC NewsLeftOct 1, 4:26 PM EDT

Times are the ones the outlets published in their own feeds, in Eastern time. Opinion is left out.

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