Spin will make fools of us all

There’s dealing in grey, and then there’s dealing in unashamed drivel.

The latter is becoming the norm in New Zealand politics. It’s not on the Trump scale just yet, but politicians here are trying the mantle on for size. They’re dissembling through their teeth and, embarrassingly, a significant group of New Zealanders is lapping it up.

Recently, we’ve heard Government politicians claim income inequality had not worsened, contrary to official reports from the Ministry of Social Development and Statistics NZ.

Education Minister Hekia Parata was caught out making up an official body to support changes around special needs education when she claimed she had the backing of the ‘‘Special Education Association’’. And what association would that be?

Trade Minister Todd McClay was publicly rebuked by his own prime minister for being economical with the truth over fears of Chinese trade retaliation.

And this week, Auckland mayoral candidate John Palino claimed iwi leaders were holding building consent-seekers to ransom for $50k a pop (see left). He provided no concrete examples.

Yet the masses fall into line based on what ‘‘feels’’ like it might be true. And I get it, voting is an emotional experience as much as it is logical. Even the most wellresearched voters can’t block out that gut-feeling when they’re faced with a ballot paper – the option that they feel is the right one.

That politicians deal in lies is not new. What is new is the way the truth has become secondary to reaffirming latent prejudice.

Politicians lie, the media call them out on it, but they double down and repeat. Why? Because they’re not trying to persuade anyone who needs convincing. They’re consolidating a mob – Us vs Them. This kind of politics only works if the voters buy it.