Whispering campaign

A whisper campaign is a method of persuasion in which damaging rumors or innuendo are spread about the target, while the source of the rumors seeks to avoid being detected while spreading them (for example, a political campaign might distribute anonymous flyers attacking the other candidate). It is generally considered unethical in open societies, particularly in matters of public policy. The speed and anonymity of communication made possible by modern technologies like the Internet has increased public awareness of whisper campaigns and their ability to succeed. This phenomenon has also lead to the failure of whisper campaigns, as those seeking to prevent them are able to publicize their existance much more readily than in the past. Whisper campaigns are defended in some circles as an efficient mechanism for underdogs to attack the powerful while lacking resources.

Use in politics

Whisper campaigns are frequently used in electoral politcs as a method of shaping the discussion without being seen to do so. U.S. President Grover Cleveland was the target of a whisper campaign in 1884 when Republicans claimed that Cleveland had fathered an illegitimate child while he was still Governor of New York. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was frequently a topic of whisper campaigns resulting from his support for civil rights and other topics.

Use in warfare and international relations

The whisper campaign is an effective and inexpensive method of exercising the national will without actually engaging armed forces on the battlefield. Latin American leaders have been targeted through information warfare questioning their masculinity and therefore ability to lead.

Use in economics

Stock or other commodity markets are susceptible to manipulation through whisper campaigns, including attempts both to inflate and deflate the price.

See also

• smear tactic
• sociology
• dirty tricks
• slander
• libel
• FUD