With Republican presidential announcements approaching this summer, MSNBC has seen fit to promote their underwhelming primetime lineup with a new round of Lean Forward TV ads. Each of these spots takes our beloved hosts out of the studio and into the “real” part of America that they seek to speak for. Some are ironic, others are downright hokey. All videos, however, offer not-so-subtle endorsements of progressive policies that play like in-kind donations to the Democratic National Committee. They serve as excellent examples for logical fallacies, too.

Straw Man- First up, Chris Matthews stands before the White House in an act of symbolic protection and labels all potential Republican presidential candidates as birthers. Interesting, considering that Michele Bachmann, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich and Tim Pawlenty have scoffed at the issue publicly. Sarah Palin seems a little confused, but Jon Huntsman has a man crush on Obama. We know where The Donald stands, but attention must be given to this gross generalization. I’ll posit that once Mr. Matthews stops talking about President Obama’s citizenship status, the oxygen will be sucked out of the whole debate. This straw man attack does nothing for the MSNBC brand, but give its critics more ammunition.

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Etymological Fallacy- Next, Lawrence O’Donnell brings us into his bourgeois living room for a lecture on [illegal] immigration. You might find yourself agreeing on the surface, but pay attention to context. No one with two brain cells to rub together has argued that all borders must undergo an absolute shutdown. In that case, is MSNBC openly pressing for a disregarding of long-standing federal law?

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Begging the Question- (petitio principii) Rachel Maddow now takes us to the Hoover Dam for a pep rally in honor of Keynesian policies of “investment.” Her logic falls apart when she labels any that would disagree to be ‘wrong.’ In the spirit of balance, those showing skepticism for Ms. Maddow’s basic premise could find reinforcement in the Federal Reserve’s ongoing dilemma between continued Stimulus spending and risks of inflation. Beware Chairman Bernanke, if you tighten monetary policy, Rachel will call you out.

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Last but not least, we have Ed. A single fallacy cannot be attributed to him. There are at least three in 30 seconds. That’s real talent. Let’s start with his opening premise that America is falling apart because the rich are screwing the middle class. Here we have a textbook example of the Single Cause fallacy. Ed wants you to ignore the fact that Bush-Era tax cuts were extended under the current Administration. Forget that evil Wall Street bankers were bailed out. Unemployment rates failed to comply with 2009 Stimulus projections? Not a big deal. Ed just wants you to know that that rich profit makers are ruining Main Street now. Ed is therefore correct because people watch him on television and some might agree (argumentum ad populum). Because Ed is on TV, and is so correct, he needs two shows (Argument from Authority/Defective Induction). Wall Street is Ed’s favorite boogeyman, but he needs to remember just who signs his paychecks.

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This entire branding campaign is wrought with partisanship and bias. Despite their self-aggrandizement, these very people dedicate hours of broadcast time each week to label Fox News Channel as the televised arm of the Republican Party. I’ll leave you with one more fallacy: Tu quoque. Look it up.

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About the author

Logan Churchwell
Logan Churchwell is the AIM Director of Public Relations & Online Development. He previously served in various media relations and public affairs capacities on Capitol Hill and in political campaigns.

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3 Comments for The Four+ Fallacies of Lean Forward, 2.0

The Major

REMEMBER Boys & Girls,,,,if you thought the LAST Prez election was strange ,,with the Pro-Left going crazy for the potential of a Marxist POTUS,,,,,”You Ain’t seen nothin’ Yet” This has already started in the Left wing press & cable shows,,,or it has never really stopped since ’08. Since BHO is always in ‘Campaign Mode’,,so are his minions in the MSN & Cable shows on the alphabet networks.
It is going to get nastier & even more racist than ever before. Mark my words,,the race will be the most vicious race the PRO-Left has ever pushed on the American People,,,just so their god,,B Hussein O will be crowned Marxist Dictator to ‘rule’ over the vast Majotity who DO NOT want him.
If,,,,If,,,he does NOT get elected,,,be prepared for MORE Exec Orders & Pelosi like bills (we have to pass it before we know what’s in it) that will totally RUIN our Economy & our Borders & our Country as a whole. Congress will be By-Passed at all costs do get it done IF,,,IF,,BHO becomes a ‘lame-Duck’ POTUS. If,,,the fools over ride the majotity,,,if,,,this election is stolen,,,then 4 mo’ years of every marxist rule & reg you can imagine will be rammed down the TAX PAYERS already opvertaxed throats.
BE PREPARED TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST THE VICIOUS ATTACKS & LIES

The Major

I must not proof read while in a hurry,,,duh!!! Sorry for the typos

Brenda

I will agree with you that this country is built on immigration. However, there has always been a note of legality. You are missing the true and real point as to what is happen here. We allow more than two million individuals into this country legally every year. With the number of illegal aliens in this country, they are coming at approximately three million or more a year. Say what you like but these people is a hugh cost to the American taxpayer. I do not earn a six figure or more salary whereas it does not matter. I struggle to take care of my family and paying my continuing rising taxes because of the need of these people. We the American taxpayer is drained. It’s time we got a break from taking care of the world. I realized these people have struggles back in their homelands, but if they can walk our streets in protest, they can walk the streets in their homeland and protest better conditions. I resent and it does not endure them to me when they asked us for more that they are willing to ask of their government. They have drain every taxpayer program setup for our needy or in the case one day our luck change and we have a program to lend us a helping hand until we get back on our feet. Yes, the illegals south of the border work many odd low wage jobs, because of this they cannot afford medical, dental, vision care for themselves or their children. They need assistance with paying for housing expenses, utilities and food. The country does not need to import and cater to individuals who are more costly to the community and country than the service they provide. There are a large number of illegals in the country, who compete with American and legal residence for higher wage jobs. Wait a minute, this is not a competition, when they are willing to work for 20 to 50% less than Americans. We do not have a fighting chance to provide for our families when wealthy people and well off sympathizers fight hard to keep these individuals in the country to benefit their bottom line or give them a sense of worth in the fact that they are helping people. Had the thought every occurred to you that for every one of them that you help, you are hurting a needy or financial burden American?