The Republicans must be desperate. They've called out Gingrich.

[Matariki]

Clearly they are worried about having the actions of the crazier members of their base associated with them. You know they're worried about something when Gingrich is on all the networks spouting bullshit. Gingrich with his NLP crap and his secret 'word list' memos.

They use this technique constantly.

1. NEVER apologize. NEVER explain.


2. Turn the accusation around and blame the accuser.


3. Make absolutely NO logical sense, then sit back and watch your opponents sputter impotently as they try and address the crazy-bomb you just tossed.


4. Now, everyone is talking about crazy stuff and not the serious issue or what you're guilty of doing.

They do this time and time again and progressives haven't seemed to figure out a way to counter this strategy.

The best way I can think of to deal with this is to call them on the technique and not the crazy shit they're saying.

[ClassWarrior]

1. Exactly. Reject their premise and call them out on it.

NGU.

[Gman2]

2. Yes we have figured out how to handle it.

Renounce violence and threats. Tell them, that their apologetics, for the violent, as being all too anticipated, since Dems are doing what they were elected to do, is terrosism. And they will be responsiblew for all they dont condemn.

[Matariki]

4. Yep - that's a good way to handle it.

The way NOT to handle it is talking endlessly about Senator Cantor.

[Zenlitened]

3. K&R

[lunatica]

5. Well how do you counter this tactic?

Using logic. Been there, done that
Using facts. ditto
Pointing out that they lie? Been there, done that
Accuse them of dirty tactics? Been there, done that
Ignore them (like Kerry did the Swiftboaters)? That worked out well didn't it?
Extend our hand in the spirit of bipartisanship? Been there, done that.

See, they don't want to communicate. They only want to be contrarians and if that means contradicting themselves every few seconds, well they do that too.

Perhaps the only way is to proceed without them no matter what they say.

But being just like them defeats the purpose of being the Democratic Party because then it just de-evolves into wresting power from each other just for the sake of power.

[Matariki]

6. Ignore what they are saying. Call them on their diversion technique.

Not because that will have any sway in a dialog with them, which is impossible - it's not what they want. But to point it out to witnesses of the conversation so that people come to understand how they are being manipulated.

[Gman2]

7. That is a brilliant observation. Unless you are alone, you are arguing for the audience.

The fool you are chewing up, is far too defensive to get it. You are there to make them foolish.

[Turborama]

8. I'm glad you made this an OP

I was just looking for the reply with these points you made in another thread but couldn't remember where I'd seen it.

Excellent and concise description of their MO which I might refer to in the future, if that's ok?

[Matariki]

9. Thank you.

All of us get trapped into trying to argue with their illogic pronouncements. We get incredulous at how 'stupid' the argument is that's being made. But the point isn't the argument - the point is distraction. The people who use this technique have NO desire for any actual debate.

I think it's important to call this out and devise a strategy of dealing with it. It seems that issuing crazy and non-factual comments is the order of the day, what with the likes of Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachmann. Even Giuliani with his bizarre "no terrorist attacks on George Bush's watch".

[Matariki]

11. ps - I think making fun of them instead of arguing is a good tactic.

Jon Stewart has been very helpful in that regard

[NHDEMFORLIFE]

10. Respond with a simple question

Maybe someone has asked one of the RWers this and I missed it, but when they start spewing about a government takeover and such why not simply ask, "What part of this bill specifically leads you to believe that this constitutes a government takeover of health care?" In their blathering response if they choose a certain part of the bill, why not respond with, "And what is it about that amendment that results in a government take-over of health care?"
It seems to me that eventually their answers are going to become so ridiculous that anyone with half a brain will see them for what they are.
Of course, no one in the media will engage them in such a dialogue, but members of congress or the administration could.

[Matariki]

12. The media isn't usually very helpful. They contantly give airtime to crazies.

People who really have no merits to be speaking in a broad public forum - yet the media gives them time to spout unchallenged nonsense.

[fryguy]

13. K&R

Brilliant.

[GreenTea]

14. Their only hope is for the Guinea-pig to repeat 1994 - Fucking losers

The republicans bullshit "Contract with America" - Ain't gonna happen union busting republican piggies....Not his time...People are more than hip to what republicans will do, deregulate corporations, destroy S.S. Medicare, Health Care, get rid of Green programs, privatize & rip-off education and student loans, while giving our tax dollars instead to the corporations and huge tax cut for the rich, more wars for corporate profit (and to steal oil)....Now Fuck Off and go back to sleep Newtie!