Political Propaganda

Propaganda
Propaganda- ideas that may involve misleading messages designed to manipulate people
What do you know about political advertising?
Do you remember any of the pictures, words, or phrases from the last election?
Can you think of examples of political propaganda?

Mass Media
Mass Media- communicates to many people at one time
Print Media
Newspapers, Magazines, Books
Electronic Media
TV, Radio, Internet

7 Types of Political Propaganda
Bandwagon
Name-Calling
Endorsement
Stacked Cards
Glittering Generality
Just Plain Folks
Fear

Bandwagon
Definition:
Convincing people that everyone agrees with a view or candidate
Characteristics:
Widespread support
Winning team
Don’t be left behind

Bandwagon cont.
Wolverine (Bush, 8)
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1992
I Like Ike (Eisenhower, 1)
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1952

Name-Calling
Definition:
The use of derogatory language or words that negatively portray the opponent
Characteristics:
Label the target
Uses sarcasm and ridicule

Name Calling
Maverick No More (Obama, 3)
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2008
Strong (McCain, 12)
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2008
Any Questions (Bush, 9)
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2004

Endorsement
Definition:
Connects a liked person or group to a candidate
Characteristics:
Verbal, physical, or monetary support

Endorsement
Yes We Can (Obama, 2)
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2008
Mamie (Nixon, 7)
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1972

Stacked Cards
Definition:
Presenting only one side
of an issue
Characteristics:
Makes the candidate look really good and the opponent really bad
Alter and distort facts and statistics

Stacked Cards
Down (Gore, 3)
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2000
Arkansas 2 (Bush, 2)
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1992
Mondale (Ticket, 1)
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1984

Glittering Generality
Definition:
A statement that sounds good but is essentially meaningless
Characteristics:
Vague
Positive and upbeat
Slogans or catchphrases

Glittering Generality
Hopeful (Bush, 8)
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2000
Train (Reagan, 1)
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1984

Just Plain Folks
Definition:
Make the average person think the candidate is just like them
Characteristics:
Using family,
background, and hard work

Just Plain Folks
Journey (Clinton, 2)
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1992
South (Carter, 5)
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1976

Fear
Definition:
Scare people into
voting for one candidate
and not the other
Characteristics
Your way of life is in danger
Use pictures, sounds, words to arouse fear

Fear
Finish It (Bush, 17)
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2004
Revolving Door (Bush, 7)
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1988
Peace Little Girl (Johnson, 2)
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1964