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Article published In: Occupy: The spatial dynamics of discourse in global protest movements
Edited by Luisa Martín Rojo
[Journal of Language and Politics 13:4] 2014
► pp. 837–856

Tactics of political lying

The Iguanas affair

 | University of Wollongong |
Published online: 20 February 2015
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/jlp.13.4.11mar
Political lying recurrently becomes a major issue in the media. Audience members seldom have first-hand information and hence rely on media stories to assess claims. Although background information may not be available, the tactics used by key players are more likely to be reported. Two models for analysing tactics are introduced, one based on methods of deception, detection and response, the other based on methods to reduce or increase outrage over something perceived to be wrong. Each model is applied to claims and counter-claims concerning the behaviour of two Australian politicians. Most of the tactics used in the case study fit the deception-detection-response model, but some do not; the outrage management model overcomes these limitations: nearly all tactics used fit into the model’s categories. Media audiences, by being aware of likely tactics, can better judge whether lying is involved.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Political lying
  • 3.Night at the Iguanas
  • 4.Deception, detection and response
  • 5.Applying the deception-detection-response model
    • 5.1Methods of deception
    • 5.2Methods of detection
    • 5.3Responses to deception
    • 6.The backfire model: Managing outrage
  • 7.Applying the backfire model
  • 8.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
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Cited by (1)

Cited by one other publication

Matthews, Victor H.
2017. The Art of Lying in King David's Court. Biblical Theology Bulletin: Journal of Bible and Culture 47:2 ► pp. 80 ff. DOI logo

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