Donald Trump addresses the crowd after being declared the winner during an election night party at the Palm Beach County Convention Center on Nov. 6, 2024.Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty ImagesMichael J. Socolow, University of Maine Most people agree that actual facts matter – in such activities as debate, discussion and reporting. Once facts are gathered, verified and distributed, informed decision-making can proceed in such important exercises as voting. But what happens when important, verified facts are published and broadcast widely, yet the resulting impact proves underwhelm…