The Ukraine-Russia War has seen the return of premodern propaganda with Putin’s ‘special military operation’ narrative behind his nation’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Whether or not Russians buy this line, he can enforce adherence to his narrative in Russia and it has been embraced by autocrats across the world, even in Hungary and Turkey. But Putin’s narratives fly in the face of history and facts on the ground. Nevertheless, his propaganda is powerful despite its weaknesses for those leaders who want support from Russia for other reasons, whether oil or other economic support, and don’t care about Ukraine.

Meanwhile, back in the States, many if not most of Donald Trump’s followers in similar ways swallow his evolving narratives hook, line, and sinker. He promises to end wars, save the economy, drill more oil, stop illegal immigration, etc, from ‘Day 1’. Seriously? He could hardly appoint his cabinet when he was President. Many may like his promises, and him – he can be funny – someone you might want to have dinner with, but his approaches to policy issues are not funny. We need to do a sanity check on the experience and judgement of all of our candidates. Campaign propaganda is a threat to democratic processes but a unbiquitous aspect. So its up to the public to be well informed and skeptical. No taken for granted claims accepted.

Holding politicians accountable for their ideas and claims takes time, and many people will be inclined to believe ideas that they like – ideas that confirm their views. It is a well-known phenomenon of a confirmatory bias. As Tom Petty’s song Refugee went, ‘you believe what you want to believe’.

But it matters who you vote for, and especially this year of 2024 – a serious one for the future of the US, Ukraine, and the world. Don’t swallow unworkable, poorly developed, undefended, unexplained, clearly glib promises that will bring four more years of chaos to you and the USA.

Contrast Trump to Nikki Haley. She has diplomatic experience as one of America’s successful ambassadors to the UN, and executive experience as Governor of South Carolina, when gubernatorial offices are arguably among the best training grounds for being Chief Executive of the US. Moreover, Nikki Haley has sensible and realistic policies on supporting Ukraine and grappling with other conflicts and wars around the world that will define America’s place in the world over the next four years, as well as dealing with domestic issues, from the cost of living to immigration and the environment.

My plea is not to accept poor propaganda – bumper sticker phrases that may sound good but lack credibility. Insist on knowing the argument behind the bumper sticker, assuming there is more to the phrase than a person’s intuition. Also, don’t reward a record riddled with examples of exercising bad judgement. If you like Trump, don’t put him in a position he has proven not to be well suited or qualified to fill.

Let sanity arise (if not prevail) in New Hampshire!