The approach nowadays to one's political opponent

[pjohns]

Recently, my wife and I have been watching Love It or List It on HGTV. In it, the participants choose between (1) three houses shown them by a real-estate agent (it is usually the last one that is the real contender) and (2) their original home, totally refurbished--actually, refurbished beyond all recognition--by a home designer.

Near the end, David Visentin (the real-estate agent) usually compliments Hillary Farr (the home designer) on the magnificent job that she has done--but then adds an important "but": "But has she given you [fill in the blank]"?

It seems to me that the same approach would be effective in the world of politics, also: "My opponent has some very good ideas; but it seems that he may fall short in this particular area."

Instead, he is typically made out to be the very apotheosis of all that is wrong and dangerous--and perhaps even evil.

This bare-knuckles approach--actually, more like a brass-knuckles approach--simply turns me off.

And I am guessing that it turns off a majority of Americans, also.

Comments?

[Kodiak]

Drastic times call for drastic measures.

[UKSmartypants]

well yes.

My position regarding the Ukrainian war is that I believe neither side intends any good. I comment and report on what I think is possibly close to the truth, but i get attacked by both sides. Its ridiculous. Dont shoot the messenger.

[Mr. Claws]

If it didn't work they wouldn't do it.

[pjohns]

If it didn't work they wouldn't do it.

You are suggesting, then, that it "work[s]" to paint those who disagree as "the very apotheosis of all that is wrong and dangerous--and perhaps even evil"?

To imply this is to suggest that most Americans are rather simple-minded--more easily animated by angry rhetoric than by an appeal to serious thought.

Is this really what you believe?

[pjohns]

From Steven Macartney (a debate judge): "My favorite debates are rigorous, but friendly. I actually appreciate when one debater accepts one of their opponent's arguments as valid, but still persuades me that they should win the round."

[patrickt]

""My opponent has some very good ideas; but it seems that he may fall short in this particular area."


Give me one "very good idea" from Joe Biden.

[NRAforlife]

Me, I'm going to the Bunny Ranch in Nevada. At least the screwing there is consensual.

[pragmatic]

You are suggesting, then, that it "work[s]" to paint those who disagree as "the very apotheosis of all that is wrong and dangerous--and perhaps even evil"?

To imply this is to suggest that most Americans are rather simple-minded--more easily animated by angry rhetoric than by an appeal to serious thought.

Is this really what you believe?

Yep.

[Northern Rivers]

""My opponent has some very good ideas; but it seems that he may fall short in this particular area."


Give me one "very good idea" from Joe Biden.

Here ya go: