Articles by Michael Gordon

February 22, 2024

The Unique Rhetoric of Trump

Dr. Jennifer Mercieca discusses the unique rhetorical repertoire of Donald Trump.

By Grace Lovins and Michael Gordon
Published: February 22, 2024


May 02, 2023

Calling Out Hypocrisy or Whataboutism?

Whataboutism: When calling out hypocrisy is just a diversion.

By Håkon Syrrist and Michael Gordon
Published: May 02, 2023


March 17, 2023

Defeating Science Denial

Dr. Lee McIntyre discusses how to take the first step in talking to a science denier.

By Håkon Syrrist and Michael Gordon
Published: March 17, 2023


February 21, 2023

Countering Extremist Messaging

Dr. Kurt Braddock discusses the role counter-narratives can play in fighting extremist messaging.

By Grace Lovins and Michael Gordon
Published: February 21, 2023


January 22, 2023

The Pioneers of Propaganda Literacy

Dr. Elisabeth Fondren discusses the ground-breaking Institute for Propaganda Analysis: its mission, impact, and legacy.

By Serena Balani and Michael Gordon
Published: January 22, 2023


November 06, 2022

Warnock vs. Walker Georgia Senate Debate

Full coverage of the 2022 Georgia U.S. Senate debate between Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker.

By Michael Gordon and Angela Fraioli
Published: November 06, 2022


July 13, 2022

The Birth of U.S. Commercial Propaganda

Dr. Noam Chomsky discusses the birth of U.S. commercial propaganda and the art of manufacturing consent.

By Johannah James and Michael Gordon
Published: July 13, 2022


May 15, 2022

The Psychology of Conspiracy Beliefs

Shauna Bowes discusses her research on the psychological factors and personality traits behind conspiratorial beliefs.

By Grace Lovins and Michael Gordon
Published: May 15, 2022


March 19, 2022

Disinformation is not Just Fake News

Dr. Larissa Doroshenko details how "reflexive control" forms the framework of Russian disinformation.

By Johannah James and Michael Gordon
Published: March 19, 2022


February 03, 2022

Promoting Post Hoc Achievements

Full coverage of President Joe Biden's second press conference, marking his first year in office.

By Nathan Yax and Michael Gordon
Published: February 03, 2022


January 05, 2022

A Parade of Straw Men

Full coverage of the 2021 Terry McAuliffe vs. Glenn Youngkin Virginia Gubernatorial debate.

By Angela Fraioli and Michael Gordon
Published: January 05, 2022


December 02, 2021

The Evolution of Character Assassination

Dr. Sergei Samoilenko discusses ad hominem attacks and how character assassination is evolving with technology.

By Michael Gordon
Published: December 02, 2021


June 15, 2021

The Makings of a Strongman

Dr. Ruth Ben-Ghiat details the common playbook populist strongmen use to rise to and hold on to power.

By Jahnavi Akella and Michael Gordon
Published: June 15, 2021


June 10, 2021

Combating Polarization and Defending Truth

Jonathan Rauch discusses overcoming polarization and the critical role norms and institutions play in defending truth.

By Jahnavi Akella and Michael Gordon
Published: June 10, 2021


January 21, 2021

Deconstructing Straw Men

Dr. Louis de Sassure discusses the social mechanics of straw men and why they can be effective, even when exposed.

By Michael Gordon and Jahnavi Akella
Published: January 21, 2021


January 11, 2021

How Intuition Fuels Conspiracy

Dr. Eric Oliver explains how intuitionism and feelings of uncertainty fuel conspiracy theories and intensify political polarization.

By Michael Gordon
Published: January 11, 2021


December 30, 2020

Labeling an Opponent Ad Nauseum

Full coverage of the 2020 Georgia U.S. Senate runoff debate between Kelly Loeffler and Raphael Warnock.

By Michael Gordon
Published: December 30, 2020


December 28, 2020

Building Resistance through Inoculation

Dr. John Banas discusses how attitudes and beliefs can be protected against persuasion through inoculation.

By Michael Gordon
Published: December 28, 2020


November 12, 2020

Offering False Dichotomy Solutions

Full coverage of the final presidential debate of 2020, between Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

By Michael Gordon and Samy Amanatullah
Published: November 12, 2020


October 13, 2020

Deflecting Attacks onto Straw Men

Full coverage of the 2020 vice presidential debate between V.P. Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris.

By Michael Gordon
Published: October 13, 2020


August 15, 2020

Transfer & Association Fallacy

Why politicians all too often take to championing cultural sacred cows.

By Michael Gordon
Published: August 15, 2020


December 19, 2019

Making Lack of Experience a Virtue

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

By Tara Jons and Michael Gordon
Published: December 19, 2019


July 14, 2019

Weaponizing a Half Truth

Full coverage of the 2nd Democratic debate of the 2020 presidential campaign season.

By Michael Gordon
Published: July 14, 2019


November 01, 2018

Cherry Picking an Opponent's Record

Full coverage of the 2018 Andrew Gillum vs. Ron DeSantis Florida Gubernatorial debate.

By Michael Gordon
Published: November 01, 2018


May 12, 2018

Using Minimization When Denial is Not an Option

Jake Tapper interviews Senator Roy Blunt on President Trump's many falsehoods.

By Michael Gordon
Published: May 12, 2018