Getting paid shills to rep your interests for you is sleazy when not done transparently, but I would not say it’s malice. It’s manipulation. Manipulation in the world of politics is as common as air, and if manipulation is malice all of politics is malice.
Of course we don’t want to be manipulated. Just like no boxer wants to be knocked out. But if a boxer gets knocked out, that’s just how boxing works and it’s not malicious. Politics is a contact sport like boxing. Politics is dirty. It will always be dirty.
It’s much more likely that they’re ordinary people acting according to well known psychological patterns of tribalism. People can hold different beliefs or values without being paid actors.
Anyone can sign up to Lemmy. Including image management consultants.
If you think Biden’s corner doesn’t have paid professional image management consultants I have a bridge to sell you.
Don’t be discouraged! Stand your ground and rep your political position diligently and constantly.
I usually don’t assume malice what can adequately be explained by copium
Getting paid shills to rep your interests for you is sleazy when not done transparently, but I would not say it’s malice. It’s manipulation. Manipulation in the world of politics is as common as air, and if manipulation is malice all of politics is malice.
Of course we don’t want to be manipulated. Just like no boxer wants to be knocked out. But if a boxer gets knocked out, that’s just how boxing works and it’s not malicious. Politics is a contact sport like boxing. Politics is dirty. It will always be dirty.
I don’t assume manipulation what can be explained by copium either
Assuming the most benign motivations is copium and hopium.
It’s much more likely that they’re ordinary people acting according to well known psychological patterns of tribalism. People can hold different beliefs or values without being paid actors.