Reply #15: I just don't think the Hitler comparison works, on a rhetorical level

[nickgutierrez]

I mean, yes, there is some validity to it. "Truth" is different from truth, in that "truth" is often created in the minds of the people hearing a claim before all (sometimes, even 'any) of the facts have been submitted. This both affects the way facts are interpreted, and forms the way that people respond to the claim. Truth isn't enough - you also need to create "truth", to the point where the perception matches up with the claim.

The Hitler comparison doesn't work, because there's no way that public perception can possibly match up with the claim until it actually comes to pass. In the eyes of the average American, there is a massive dissimilarity between * and Hitler - the latter is the modern-day embodiment of evil, and the former is Our President, whether they voted for him or not. That dissimilarity cannot be bridged. Period.

The truth doesn't always have the ring of truth, and sadly, the ring matters more.