The Purpose of Presidential Debates. By George Friedman Monday night's presidential foreign policy debate probably won't change the opinion of many voters.
Proponents of President Barack Obama are still convinced that Mitt Romney is a fool and a liar. Proponents of former Gov. Romney have the same view of the president. Propaganda. Propaganda is a form of communication aimed towards influencing the attitude of a population toward some cause or position.
While the term propaganda has acquired a strongly negative connotation by association with its most manipulative and jingoistic examples, propaganda in its original sense was neutral and could refer to uses that were generally positive, such as public health recommendations, signs encouraging citizens to participate in a census or election, or messages encouraging persons to report crimes to law enforcement. Etymology[edit] From the 1790s, the term began being used also for propaganda in secular activities.[2] The term began taking a pejorative connotation in the mid-19th century, when it was used in the political sphere.[2] Character, Policy and the Selection of Leaders.
By George Friedman The end of Labor Day weekend in the United States traditionally has represented the beginning of U.S. presidential campaigns, though these days the campaign appears to be perpetual.
In any case, Americans will be called on to vote for president in about two months, and the question is on what basis they ought to choose. Many observers want to see intense debate over the issues, with matters of personality pushed to the background.