5th Democratic Debate of 2020

analysis

The stubborn allure of conspiracy theories

How astroturfing creates the illusion of authenticity and consensus

FLICC: The five common tactics of science denial

interviews

Dr. Eric Oliver explains how intuitionism fuels conspiracy theories and intensify political polarization.
Dr. John Banas discusses how attitudes and beliefs can be protected against persuasion through inoculation.
Dr. John Cook discusses the seven traits of conspiratorial thinking and how conspiracy theories are immune to evidence.

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Full coverage of the 5th Democratic debate of the 2020 presidential campaign season.

By Tara Jons and Michael Gordon
12/19/2019 • 03:41 AM EST

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: bandwagon

- portraying a claim or position as correct, inevitable, or morally right by implying it has widespread or overwhelming popular support.
the American people more...

: fault as virtue

- portraying a weakness or undesirable trait as a strength by highlighting any positive aspect of it.
: Buttigieg reframes his political inexperience and modest wealth—which could be viewed as him lacking establishment backing and financial resources—instead as proof he is more relatable and better positioned to compete against Trump. more...

: dysphemism

- replacing or augmenting otherwise accurate or neutral language with more derogatory or unappealing terms to instill a negative association.
: The term "cages" evokes emotional imagery of cruelty and inhumane treatment, rather than using a neutral term like "fenced-in enclosures." more...

: exaggeration

- stretching the truth to make something seem more powerful or meaningful than it actually is.
: While about 70% of those surveyed showed support for Roe v. Wade, only 69% supported funding for Planned Parenthood (not over 90%). more...

: quote mining

- extracting a passage or quote from its surrounding context in a way that distorts its intended meaning.
: Buttigieg actually said, he'd consider sending U.S. troops to Mexico to fight drug cartels, IF Mexico requested it. more...