Note: I found this on Erik’s computer after his passing. I wanted to share it with you.
What propaganda strategies does Trump use in to proselytize his listeners
- Exaggerate everything. The opponents possible poor or ineffective policy are criticized as the ‘worst policy in the history of the United States.’
- Say the opposite of every criticism: When an action is labeled as wrong, state that the action is right and the best thing that could happen. And then repeat it or ‘double down.’
- Whatever the point is, invent ‘facts’ or statistics that bolster that point. ‘By doing this action, we will save 100 billion dollars’, when, in fact, there may be no savings or savings of a fraction of what is stated.
- Use repetition to brainwash the audience. Example, keep repeating ‘Hilary’s illegal emails’ when that claim is incorrect. When this is heard it causes members of the audience to question their knowledge to a degree that is a function of the stature of who is repeating this claim and by the number of times this is repeated. This can build up confusion and questioning in the audience that could even change a denial of the claim to the point where it starts to be accepted as truth. E.g. Trump has a high public stature which carries with it a high degree of perceived accuracy in the things he says. When the assertion is repeated, it gains in validity in the listener, even though the assertion could be completely false.
- Stand firmly behind absurd invented accusations. Trump states that president Zelinsky of Ukraine, whose country was invaded by Russia in Oct. 2023, is, in fact, a dictator and caused the invasion and resulting war. This can soften the impact of say, removing financial support to help Ukraine fight the invaders, Russia, based on this invented and incorrect description. And, of course, repeat this assertion.