Lee Atwater: The Marketers of Political Falsehoods

Lee Atwater, it is fair to say, is one of the most influential and infamous individuals whoever set foot in Washington D.C. After watching the film, it was clear to me that his methods of campaigning, speaking, and his particular swagger, so to speak, was undeniably present during this most recent campaign.

Between the stating of untrue falsehood and negative ad campaign, it was all there; as if Donal Trump and his many campaign managers took notes and learned the strategy in which Atwater set into place during the end of the 20th century. In the film, Atwater was able to portray himself to the public as a man of the people, a fair player, and a lover of the blues. However, his political stance and actions within his campaign were vile, for that they targeted the pressure points of opponents, whether they were a reality of a fallacy, and used them in order to damage the public perception of his counterpart. Loyalty was to Atwater as a way in which he has to depend on others, though others cannot depend on him.

Power was a revolving theme of the film. Atwater strove for the peek of the ranks within the political world. Although, it is apparent that whoever got in his way would be steamrolled over and would be faced with public scrutiny--due to the leaking of information that would find its way tot he press.

One difference in which can be considered between Lee Atwater and Donald Trump is the public perception of Atwater versus Trump. The film made clear that Atwater was often questioned on his tactics and information in which he deemed true, though Atwater could easily worm out of the question through jokes, another question, and other voids. With Trump, it seems that he is a lot slower than Atwater--mentally--ergo he is unable to use the tactics Atwater invented. While the entire strategy of Atwater is sickening and dishonorable, we can not help but be impressed by how well he played the public. The film shines a light on his deplorable actions and ways of politics, but it also shows that he was the ultimate BS'er for he was able to back it up with a 'story' and maintain an earnest tone; all while manipulating the people and an informed public to believe complete fallacies.