1. Political Science 2013-2014

2.  Propaganda: A message that is mean to influence people’s ideas, opinions, or actions in a certain way.  Propaganda can include lies, but it can also contain truthful information.  A message is called propaganda when it tells only one side of the story, distorts the truth, or appeals mostly to people’s feelings.

3.  Glittering Generalities: Use words and phrases that sound appealing and that everyone agrees with.  Example: I stand for freedom and our country’s way!  Card Stacking: Use only those facts that support your argument.  Example: My opponent voted against raising benefits! (You do not mention that the opponent voted no because the proposed increase was too small.)  Plain Folks: Tell people that you are just like them—an ordinary person with similar needs and ideas.  Example: I’ve lived in this city all my life. My children go to the same school as your children do.

4.  Name Calling: Attach negative labels to your opponent.  Example: He’s soft on crime.  Bandwagon: Appeal to desire to follow the crowd.  Example: Polls show that more than 80 percent of voters support me.  Transfer: Connect yourself to a respected person, group, or symbol.  Example: Remember what Nelson Mandela said…