Republicans Learn X Is the Echo Chamber

404 Media reports that the online right spent the run-up to the 2026 midterms posting AI-generated Anakin Skywalker and "Malfoid" memes on X, then watched Democrats sweep, including a shock win in Texas. Researchers Michael Senters and Alyssa Mercante argue memes build in-group identity but don't persuade, and that the X-brained right mistook its bubble for material reality. The piece notes right-wing podcasters like Asmongold rage-quitting election coverage and candidates who leaned on Halo imagery losing by wide margins.