Everyone involved in or following politics is familiar with the term "spin." According to researcher Stanley Fish, this tactic with its manipulative connotation is in fact at the core of political activity.
Fish defines "spin" as the process of shaping facts and narratives to fit a particular agenda. He challenges the perception that facts can stand alone, independent of interpretation. He cites the famous quote from Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, "You're entitled to your own opinions, but you're not entitled to your own facts," to illustrate a common misconception in political discourse. According to Fish, the notion that one can separate facts from opinions and truth from narratives is mistaken. In reality, facts are often constructed and based on the very process of argumentation itself. As Fish points out, "You're entitled to your own facts if you can get them accepted," emphasizing that what is accepted as fact is typically the result of persuasive argument, not objective truth.
The Role of Spin in Political Discourse
Fish argues that political arguments are never purely rational or straightforward; they are always infused with spin. Spin is not just a tactic used by politicians, but an essential part of political debate. All discourse, he claims, is shaped by the perspectives and biases of those involved, making it impossible to find a neutral, unmarked form of discourse. As a result, political arguments are inherently rhetorical, relying on ethos (character), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic) to persuade the audience.
Despite moments of resolution, such as elections, legislation, or court decisions, Fish asserts that political debates rarely, if ever, reach a true conclusion. Even after the enactment of policies or the selection of candidates, the underlying conflicts and debates continue, often in new forms. According to Fish, it is impossible to definitively settle a particular issue, as convincing someone who disagrees requires not only addressing the specific topic, but also the narrative that shapes it, their underlying assumptions, and more. Fish refers to this process as "conversion," akin to religious conversion, and while possible, it is extremely rare.
