One thing the writer here leaves out is the Big Lie theory — that if you simply state something that is untrue boldly, loudly, and frequently enough, then people who are already inclined to thing it could be true will buy it — because, of course, the people on My Side would never, ever lie.
This is not solely a R vs D thing — though, in my own (possibly biased) way, I think it's been far more blatant on the Right with everyone from Limbaugh to Hannity to Bachmann simply saying things that are untrue, freeing up Ryan and Romney to do the same because "Well, I already heard that on Fox & Friends this morning, so it must be so."
The best thing I can personally suggest for individuals, when getting into these "UH-HUH!" "NUH-UH!" arguments is do at least a bit of research. Don't rely on the pundit's site what points to an op-ed that (maybe) refers to speech that some gave somewhere as "proof." Try to find some actual facts and reporting and statistics on the matter — and look for where the assertion is (or isn't) in line with the claim you're making. And be prepared to admit you might have been wrong — or at least not not continue making the argument when you have doubt you might be right.
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Republicans vs. straw men
It was every reporter's challenge at the RNC: How do you engage voters when their politicians tell outright lies?
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Seems obvious to me repubs just use these groups and issues to keep their status quo. Its nuts to me these people truly think a Republican politician gives a shit about them.
+1'ed for Dave's honest assessment, not the story itself 🙂