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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsShine a light on the tactics and not just on what's being said.
We are, once again, witnessing an example of trying to convince the public that crimes committed openly aren't crimes. Most notably with regard to Ukraine collusion, but also the effort to undercut charges of emoluments violations. This is part of a pattern. Deny, lie, obfuscate and then acknowledge while claiming it's perfectly okay and normal.
Mark my words, there are many people (and I don't just mean Cult45) who will fall for that tactic and the narrative Republicans are trying to establish will become the dominant narrative. Unless Democrats are vigilant and work hard at establishing what should be the dominant narrative. Part of that effort has to include shining a bright light on what Mulvaney and Co. are attempting to do and not just on what they're saying. If we simply debate the substance, we're debating on their terms.
Most people aren't political junkies. Many are only vaguely aware of what's going on by way of whichever narrative or soundbite dominates. Your average person doesn't recognize, for instance, the tactic we all know as 'projection', or accusing your opponent of that which you're doing.
The same goes for the tactic of creating a massive problem (e.g., trade war, slaughter of Kurds) for whatever reason (incompetence, ideology, distraction), applying a bandaid and then claiming victory. Don't just debate the merits of the argument. Point out the effort to bamboozle.
It's not enough to debate the *what*, especially when it's on their terms. We must shine a bright light on the *why*.
crickets
(25,969 posts)You're right. It's not just lying, but strategic, constant manipulation and targeted 'spin' of current events to present them in a way that casts doubt on any pushback.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100212548797
FORMER FBI AGENT SAYS TRUMP ATTEMPTED TO EMPLOY COVERT PROPAGANDA AGAINST AMERICAN PUBLIC
The Internet, Psychological Warfare, and Mass Conspiracy
It's deliberate and ongoing. I hardly think Democrats are going to be able to use this as a believable argument, but they do need to fight against the coordinated false narratives by tirelessly pointing out and pushing back against them.
Reposted by request from this DU thread: CNN Banner: WHITE HOUSE ADMITS TO QUID PRO QUO
Garrett78
(10,721 posts)...mandatory school curriculum related to media analysis, propaganda and critical thinking.
Raven123
(4,830 posts)Mick Mulvaney admitted quid pro quo, but NOT about Biden. Will claim this is not an impeachable offense.
Wow. Now he is taking it back. Too bad. Horse is out of the barn and in a different county.