Week in Review: Week 30
Reading Time: 2 minutes Sometimes it’s worthwhile to look back at where you’ve come from to help you see where you’re going. It gives you a new, old perspective. Continue reading Week in Review: Week 30
Category: RHETORIC REFEREE
The Rhetoric Referee takes apart the verbal tricks that politicians and debaters use to divert their opponents and deceive their audiences.
When is a recession not a recession? When it’s a diversion!
Reading Time: 2 minutes Whether we are technically in a recession or not, the economy is in trouble. Blame is always so much easier to find than solutions. Continue reading When is a recession not a recession? When it’s a diversion!
Free audio and e-books offer conflicting views on conflict
Reading Time: 3 minutes This is a limited-time offer: Simon & Schuster is offering two titles about conflict as free e-books and audiobooks through July 31. Continue reading Free audio and e-books offer conflicting views on conflict
Week in Review: Week 28
Reading Time: < 1 minutes A productive week, with two major projects completed on schedule and two blog posts–including a return of the mysterious Rhetoric Referee. The Rhetoric Referee is an occasional mystery guest who takes apart the verbal tricks that politicians and debaters use to divert their opponents and deceive their audiences. He attempts to remain neutral, which in these days of political entertainment is probably not exactly click … Continue reading Week in Review: Week 28
The ‘No True Scotsman’ fallacy
Reading Time: < 1 minutes In logic and debate–and thus in politics–dealing with generalities can get you into trouble. How do you handle the exception that seems to disprove the rule? Continue reading The ‘No True Scotsman’ fallacy
Foul: Misquotes and context
Reading Time: 2 minutes Misquotes and quotes out of context are easy to spot and refute, but that’s rare. We look at examples used against Trump and Kamala Harris. Continue reading Foul: Misquotes and context
Foul: Ad Hominem
Reading Time: 2 minutes In a speech this week, President Biden said those who oppose the election bill are racists. Did he learn personal attacks from Donald Trump? Continue reading Foul: Ad Hominem
Foul: Changing the Rules
Reading Time: 2 minutes Will changing Senate rules help protect minority rights? The Rhetoric Referee reminds us everyone is a minority—of one. WITH VIDEO. Continue reading Foul: Changing the Rules
The Indefensible ‘If True’
Reading Time: 2 minutes – RHETORIC REFEREE – The words ‘If True’ make the difference between real and fake news, especially in an echo chamber. Continue reading The Indefensible ‘If True’
Mastering the debate game
Reading Time: 3 minutes – RHETORIC REFEREE – Donald Trump knows how to play the game to win. Now you can, too! Follow along see if you can spot these debate tricks and traps. Continue reading Mastering the debate game