The Briefing cover image

The Briefing

Race for deadly disease vax + Mediscare & Temu Trump: Spot political spin

Apr 15, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Caroline Fisher, a political communication professor and former journalist, sheds light on the art of political spin. She examines how methods like 'Mediscare' shape public perception leading up to elections. The conversation dives into Australia’s urgent vaccine efforts against Disease X and the startling rise of bots in online interactions. Additionally, Caroline highlights innovative approaches to public health awareness, including using platforms like OnlyFans, prompting a blend of politics and social responsibility.
22:12

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Political spin techniques, ranging from benign to deceptive, significantly impact public perception and voter trust in politicians.
  • The evolving political landscape emphasizes emotional appeal in campaigns, especially through negative advertising and targeting younger demographics.

Deep dives

Understanding Political Spin

Political spin refers to the various techniques and tactics used by politicians to influence public perception and sway voter opinion. These tactics range from benign approaches, such as crafting strategic campaign messages, to more deceptive methods that manipulate, mislead, or even outright lie. Specific instances include pressure during election campaigns where opposing parties are accused of dishonesty or crafting narratives that create confusion over factual accuracy. The effectiveness of these spins can often be measured by their ability to provoke emotional responses, instilling fear or uncertainty in voters while selectively presenting only favorable information.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner