Longread #174 -- The Lie Factory -- 10/16/12

In light of tonight's important presidential debate, I am posting this longread about the history of political consulting and advertising in the U.S. The story of Campaigns, Inc., founded by Leone Baxter and Clem Whitaker, is remarkable for how easily its influence can be found in modern politics. From basic political strategy to specific issue messaging (with healthcare, for example), it is remarkable how little has changed. For many of us, this political landscape is just the way things have always been, so I found it fascinating to learn more about how the modern institution of political consulting and advertising came to be.

"The Lie Factory" by Jill Lepore
Published in the New Yorker, September 24, 2012
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/09/24/120924fa_fact_lepore?printable=true

Eric