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Monday, January 11, 2010

The Liz Cheney approach:

Check out the following excerpts from her appearance on ABC's This Week on Sunday: (emp add)
  • ... I think that the uncertainty in the economy ... is because people are watching things like the debate over the health care bill here ...

  • I don't think that the events, the briefings that were provided this week have begun to give Americans any comfort that there is a real understanding of the threat the nation faces ...

  • ... I think one of the things that makes the American people frustrated is when they see time and time again liberals excusing racism from other liberals. And I think that, you know, clearly, Senator Reid's comments were outrageous.
See? Cheney is asserting that "the American people"
  • are uncertain about the economy because of the health care bill,
  • are uncomfortable with Obama's understanding of the terror threat, and
  • are frustrated with liberals when it comes to racism.
But is it true? It might me, or it might not.

Instead of making an argument on the merits, or to express a personal viewpoint, Cheney asserts that "the American people" agree with her on specific issues. That is, absent poll data or election results, a thin claim.

Attributing to other groups, friend or foe, certain outlooks is a common propaganda technique. One person who does that repeatedly is right-wing radio host Dennis Prager. In his case, he's constantly telling you what liberals "really" think. Or government officials, or academia, or foreigners. Some of his claims are remarkable, often centered on the notion that liberals have contempt for you, the listener to Prager's show. Or that they are deep down, immoral, or worse.

Saying what others believe is a cheap debating point. When you watch, listen, or read arguments from any part of the political spectrum, be alert to this propaganda technique.



1 comments

Saying what others believe is a cheap debating point. When you watch, listen, or read arguments from any part of the political spectrum, be alert to this propaganda technique.


This is, of course, completely absent from Obama's political speeches.

By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/11/2010 5:32 PM  

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