swiftboating

A political ploy whereby allegations, falsehoods, exaggerations, or distortions are publicized to discredit a person or entity and have the intended effect that public attention is drawn to the ensuing controversy about the veracity of the allegations and away from some other political embarrassment.

Questions about Kerry’s military service and whether he deserved purple heart medals was swiftboating the public’s attention from whether or not Bush was AWOL.

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