LEFT BIAS
These media sources are moderate to strongly biased toward liberal causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appealing to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information that may damage liberal causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Left Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate The Ink as Left Biased due to its strong progressive editorial stance and consistent opposition to right-wing and authoritarian politics. Its factual reporting is rated High, as content is well-sourced, transparent in perspective, and devoid of false or misleading claims.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT (-6.8)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.8)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
The Ink is a subscription-based newsletter founded in 2020 by Anand Giridharadas, an author, journalist, and political analyst for MSNBC. According to its About page, The Ink “asks the hardest questions about politics and culture, money and power,” and was established as an independent reader-supported publication hosted on Substack. Giridharadas, a former columnist and foreign correspondent for The New York Times, has also written several books, including Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World and The Persuaders: At the Front Lines of the Fight for Hearts, Minds, and Democracy. The newsletter regularly publishes essays, interviews, and live conversations focused on democracy, inequality, and political reform in the United States.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
The Ink is privately owned by Anand Giridharadas and monetized through paid Substack subscriptions and reader donations, as stated on its About page. It accepts no corporate, institutional, or political advertising, positioning itself as financially and editorially independent.
Analysis / Bias
Editorially, The Ink is openly left-leaning, advocating for progressive social and political change. Giridharadas frequently critiques right-wing populism, corporate power, and political elites while promoting social democracy, economic reform, and grassroots activism. The writing style combines analysis and advocacy, emphasizing moral and democratic responsibility rather than neutral reporting.
In MAKE IT MAKE SENSE: No Kings comes to the ballot box, The Ink frames U.S. elections as a “rejection of the Trump regime’s first year,” celebrating voter turnout against “authoritarianism.” While factual in recounting election outcomes, the piece uses emotionally charged language such as “Americans — tired of being shit on and told to eat cake — said so, across the board,” reflecting a strong partisan tone.
In ESSAY: A cure for Trumpism: Radical empathy and radical change, Giridharadas promotes “radical empathy” as a moral counter to authoritarian politics. The essay, while reflective and idea-driven, focuses on ideological remedies rather than data or counterpoints, characteristic of opinion journalism.
In WATCH: How to rebuild the left, an interview with More Perfect Union’s Faiz Shakir, the discussion revolves around revitalizing the Democratic Party by recruiting more working-class candidates and “building a fairer America.” The framing consistently supports progressive organizing and is explicitly critical of centrist or corporate-aligned Democrats.
While The Ink clearly favors progressive politics, it maintains a high factual standard. Its statements are supported by direct quotations, publicly verifiable political events, and interviews with credible figures. The site differentiates clearly between essays, interviews, and opinions, avoiding misinformation or unsubstantiated claims.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate The Ink as Left Biased due to its strong progressive editorial stance and consistent opposition to right-wing and authoritarian politics. Its factual reporting is rated High, as content is well-sourced, transparent in perspective, and devoid of false or misleading claims. (D. Van Zandt 11/08/2025)
Source: https://the.ink/
Last Updated on November 8, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources