For those not on Twitter, or not following @DianeMariePosts, here is an interesting list of Tactics that I see the #CPC/#Rebel crew using:
1. Take the offensive. This puts the opponent on the defensive. Even if the offensive point is untrue, the opponent looks weak by being forced to defend against it.
2. Attack one's opponent's strengths. This forces the opponent to abandon them and be left with his or her weaknesses.
Example: Conservative attempts to try to make Trudeau abandon his habit of leaving the Ottawa bubble to mix with Canadians.
Example: Conservative attempts to try to make Trudeau abandon his habit of leaving the Ottawa bubble to mix with Canadians.
3. Pre-emptively accuse an opponent of what he or she could accuse one of - that is, accuse one's opponent of one's own weaknesses.
Example: Conservatives accusing Liberals of increasing the debt despite fact that it is actually a Conservative weakness.
Example: Conservatives accusing Liberals of increasing the debt despite fact that it is actually a Conservative weakness.
4. Go negative, then cry foul. Make a wild allegation, then when opponent retaliates, complain about "dirty campaigning". No obvious example of this comes to mind but perhaps fellow tweeps can offer one.
5. The "Big Lie". People are suspicious of little ones but are more accepting of audacious, outlandish ones.
Donald Trump has this one down to a science. Any factual rebuttal is labelled "fake news".
Donald Trump has this one down to a science. Any factual rebuttal is labelled "fake news".
6. Appeal to moral values. Wallow in faith-based rhetoric (religion).
This is exactly where the Conservatives are these days. Opponents can appeal to non-religious moral values: alleviating homelessness, inequality, poverty, etc.
This is exactly where the Conservatives are these days. Opponents can appeal to non-religious moral values: alleviating homelessness, inequality, poverty, etc.
7. Sell the persona. In Canadian political terms, the Conservatives sell macho/blue collar and try to paint opponents in "weak" and often homophobic terms. Macho candidates never apologize - this is seen as weak- but demand that opponents apologize.
8. Sell an adolescent worldview. Appeal to those who prefer to see problems/challenges in simple, "common sense" terms.
Example: Doug Ford and his 4% waste-cutting appeal. Such appeals are attractive to binary (black-white) thinkers who dislike complexity.
Example: Doug Ford and his 4% waste-cutting appeal. Such appeals are attractive to binary (black-white) thinkers who dislike complexity.
9. Exploit the media while also denouncing and intimidating it. The Conservatives turned the CBC into a state broadcaster (and we see the damage done) while using the CBC to fundraise. Call the media "liberal", all evidence to the contrary.
10. Create straw issues to distract people from what is really going on.
Prime examples are the Atwal-as-terrorist and lentil tariff issues to distract citizens and the press from noticing and reporting on the instrumentality of the India visit.
Prime examples are the Atwal-as-terrorist and lentil tariff issues to distract citizens and the press from noticing and reporting on the instrumentality of the India visit.
11. Employ surrogates to do one's dirty work. Here we have the Conservatives using Rebel to spread dirt while Mr. Scheer tries to appear above the fray - a Christian family man - who nevertheless employs Rebel people in his campaign.
12. Use emotional appeals. Make people feel fearful and insecure so that they are easily manipulated. Try to make them conclude that they need the protection of the politician who told them what to feel fearful and insecure about.
13. Rely on expert testimonials. The Campaign-Industrial Complex is full of people who will pretend to be expert. Lobby groups will gladly weigh in. Quasi-PACs: CTF, NCC, Frontier, Frappuccino Institute. The press loves them, too. Free content.
14. Use rhetorical devices. Mischaracterize what an opponent has said, take comments out of context.
An example: Mr. Trudeau's comment that China's government can impressively turn on a dime was framed as admiration for communism.
An example: Mr. Trudeau's comment that China's government can impressively turn on a dime was framed as admiration for communism.
15. Use of language. Indulge in Orwellian newspeak. Employ code-words that only one's base gets. In modern terms, dog-whistle away. Citizens clearly have to watch out for these tactics. They infect our political discourse.
In researching the Republican strategies (syn: Karl Rove), I came across an interesting analysis of the G.W. Bush (syn: Karl Rove's puppet) re-election campaign that may be of interest. It is the closest thing to a "Rove's" handbook that I've seen. It discusses both the tactics used and suggests responses/countermeasures.
Medical cautions: Do not view if you suffer from high blood pressure, fits of rage, manic depression or thoughts of suicide. Do not read if you have a history of computer abuse. Remove all sharp or throwable items from arms lenght before reading.
You should be 18 or older, or view with supervision.
You should be 18 or older, or view with supervision.
Side effects: Viewing may result in damage to household property, yelling, screaming, or thoughts of revenge. Temporary hair loss, ringing in the ears and eye gouging have also been reported after viewing.
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