Authoritative Duke

When the media or other gatekeepers of acceptable discourse want to discredit an idea or an individual, without themselves making any negative or critical comments directly, they find a morally detestable character to endorse the person or idea, thus manufacturing guilt by association with a person they would otherwise never consult, or give credence to their opinion. That poisonous proxy is known as an "Authoritative Duke", after David Duke, a man who would never be part of a mainstream political discussion except to be a tool to ritually contaminate an enemy of the media. David Duke, being quite powerless on his own, is a willing participant in the charade, because it conveys a false sense of authority on him whereas otherwise he is an untouchable.

"The new outrage is ready for us to amplify, but I'm afraid most people won't be outraged. If we reporters speak out against it, then it will show our bias too strongly. We need an Authoritative Duke so people know what side of the issue good people are supposed to be on," opined Reporter One.
"So, call Richard Spencer back on?" queried Reporter Two.
"Yes, exactly, he'll be thrilled," resolved Reporter One.