One voice or many?

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He does have a point, about politics.

Putting a blogger on the bus to record his experiences verbatim probably would not have much impact politically.

Leaving aside all questions of objectivity, the factors which influence votes probably do not include entries on a blog read by comparatively few people, and with comments not structured to persuade.


Points can be made more or less cogently. They can also be more or less suited to people's existing attitudes and concerns.
Lawyers can become expert in this kind of adaptation of ideas, in one way to persuade a jury and in another way to persuade an Appeals Court.

The problem for me is that persuasion can overcome disagreement. That doesn't sound like a bad thing, but when how an idea is framed determines its acceptance, then those who accept it may be misled.

For most people, when they do not already have decided ideas on a subject, arguments are considered first for plausibility - could this be true/best? - and then for consistency with other principles - do I feel good about this idea? - before a decision to accept, even tentatively.

If I make a statement on an issue without responding to those connotations, I am unlikely to be persuasive. The way something is said does help determine acceptance.

So quotes from a blog could easily fail to have an impact even if the blog were to be read by every voter.

Referring to a prior topic, whatever Senator Edwards might have said in response to your question, as a lawyer and politician he knows about persuasion, and what is required for acceptance. He can say that he is being truthful without denying use of rhetoric.


By the way, this discussion leaves out overall impression. If I think a candidate is acceptable, I can disagree with positions without having my support affected by the disagreements.
Conversely, if I think a candidate is nuts, agreement on even a range of issues will not change my vote.

Posted by: Anton Philidor   Posted on: 07/03/06 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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