Propaganda Techniques

Fear Placing fear in the voter. "We see America as the greatest force for good in this world. Our opponent though, is someone who sees America, it seems, as being so imperfect that he's palling around with terrorists who would target their own country." --Sarah Palin, 2008 Placing fear in the voter. If you vote for the other candidate, this terrible thing will happen. Can use words or images. (like transfer, but in a negative way.)

Name-calling/ Mudslinging “Obama, reacting to Republican allegations that he "palled around" with a 1960s radical, fired back with a Web video about McCain's role in the Keating Five savings and loan debacle early in the Arizona senator's Senate career. His role in that scandal earned him a rebuke for poor judgment from Senate colleagues.” www.washingtontimes.com Oct. 6, 2008 Giving a candidate/party a negative label. The aim is to influence the voters to reject the candidate/party without looking at the evidence.

Glittering Generality “Obama’s tax plan will help restore bottom-up economic growth that helps create good jobs in America and empowers all families achieve the American dream.” www.barackobama.com When a candidate uses broad, vague, or impressive words or statements that do not have any real meaning. They try to convince the voters to accept their ideas without revealing the facts. “John McCain has always put his country's interests before any party, special interest and even his own self-interest. He has always and will always do what is right for our country. “ www.johnmccain.com

Bandwagon Attempting to convince the public that everyone else is supporting the candidate, so they should too. Undecided's jumping on the McCain/Palin bandwagon. “The Post's convention section tells of some undecided voters that have switched since last week, I have observed the same phenomenon today. So far I have spoken to at least four non-affilited women that have settled on McCain/Palin. One lady said that although she didn't like McCain before, Palin has made a compelling enough case for her to vote for him.” --PW Conservative, Sep. 4, 2008 www.blog.oreganlive.com

“John McCain has a remarkable record of leadership and experience that embodies his unwavering lifetime commitment to service. John has led the fight for reforming Washington, eliminating wasteful government spending, and strengthening our nation's armed forces.” www.johnmccain.com Card-staking Presenting only the facts favorable to a candidate. Negative facts are overlooked.

Transfer Associating the candidate with an image or sound created to evoke a positive feeling The American Flag The Capitol Building www.barackobama.com

Plain Folks “In many ways, she was just your average 'hockey mom.' She was active in her family’s pursuits – including serving as a sports team mom, coaching basketball and volunteering on the PTA to help make her kids' public education better. She also runs marathons. Palin is a lifetime member of the NRA and enjoys hunting, fishing, Alaska history, and all that Alaska's great outdoors has to offer.” A candidate tries to convince voters that he is just an average American who will be sympathetic to the concerns and problems of regular folks. www.johnmccain.com

Testimonial Having a prominent, respected, and well-liked person endorse a candidate. “Riding on the coat-tails” of a more popular candidate. “Colin Powell, a Republican and retired general who was President Bush's first secretary of state, broke with the party Sunday and endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president, calling him a "transformational figure" while criticizing the tone of John McCain's campaign.” www.npr.org Oct. 19, 2008