Nikki Haley becomes the latest victim of a very popular tactic by opposition campaigns - operatives planted in opposing campaigns to catch or cause embarrassing moments. Or is she?
It's so true that one ill conceived remark can destroy a political career. But the best advice here is your caution that there is no such thing as "off the record." Anyone involved in politics, including myself, can cite at least one example of how "off the record" turned into a major story.
Gaffes in the political arena may be by omission (Haley) or commission (Adkin). Haley’s fumble, IMO, was not caused by a tracker or plant - it seemed genuine unlike her subsequent explanations including a plant. The impact of a gaffe must be evaluated in light of the perception of the speaker’s intent by the audience. Maybe, despite opposition attempts to characterize him as a pedophile, Biden gets a pass because his gaffes are neither outrageous nor malicious.
It's so true that one ill conceived remark can destroy a political career. But the best advice here is your caution that there is no such thing as "off the record." Anyone involved in politics, including myself, can cite at least one example of how "off the record" turned into a major story.
Gaffes in the political arena may be by omission (Haley) or commission (Adkin). Haley’s fumble, IMO, was not caused by a tracker or plant - it seemed genuine unlike her subsequent explanations including a plant. The impact of a gaffe must be evaluated in light of the perception of the speaker’s intent by the audience. Maybe, despite opposition attempts to characterize him as a pedophile, Biden gets a pass because his gaffes are neither outrageous nor malicious.