The power of political disinformation

[turbo]

According to a study, lies told for political purposes continue to influence voters after they have been debunked, and in some instances the lies are made more credible (in the minds of those predisposed to the message) by the debunking.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/14/AR2008091402375_pf.html

 

[LowlyPion]

According to a study, lies told for political purposes continue to influence voters after they have been debunked, and in some instances the lies are made more credible (in the minds of those predisposed to the message) by the debunking.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/14/AR2008091402375_pf.html

That's likely the case, that it reinforces predisposition towards a candidate, rather than give currency to the lies. What the study failed to address was the backlash effect on the candidate who is the one spreading the lies and disinformation.

At a certain level the country must be aware that if McCain is elected, the kinds of lies that he would employ to get elected, would become the norm in any theoretical Presidency of his.

 

[ramsey2879]

According to a study, lies told for political purposes continue to influence voters after they have been debunked, and in some instances the lies are made more credible (in the minds of those predisposed to the message) by the debunking.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/14/AR2008091402375_pf.html

I am all for debunking the lies regardless of whether they may reinforce the lie in the people who are predisposed to it. The best way to prevent from being entraped by a lie is to regularly read balanced statements from those known to support opposing viewpoints and not relie only upon a so called neutral or unbiased source.