It has nothing to do with morality. People largely distrust politicians and politics in general. “Never Trump” Republicans and middle-of-the-road Independents. People we actually do need to vote. They’ll say “both sides are the same” when they’re obviously not. When we prove them right by stooping to the extremists’ level, they disengage, along with millions of other people. They won’t trust us, and why should they?
And I ask again, has that call to voting and high-roading strategy worked so far? All I see is a fascist US that will now inevitably end in bloodshed. People already disengaged without the opposition “stooping down to extremist levels”. I’d even argue that that sort of weak opposition is exactly why people disengaged in the first place
Not to mention, the US is beyond that stage now. Fascism has arrived there, and it has entrenched itself. It will not leave peacefully, just like it didn’t historically. No matter what, it’s time for new strategies
Literally no one is saying to use the “high road”, I’m saying that, as a strategy, using disinformation will not accomplish our goals. And that’s not even taking into account the results. You think tricking people into following us based on doctored images will get loyal, dependable supporters??
Look, you have your opinion and I have mine. Plenty of progressive think tanks, organizations, podcasts, etc will do focus groups and surveys closer to the midterms elections. At which point we’ll have a better understanding of voters and messaging… In the meantime, I can only speak for myself: I, personally am far less likely to support any candidate that uses disinformation and blatant lies. Am I alone? Maybe. But I’m willing to bet there’s millions more that feel the same way…
