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Being informed, not persuaded

The need to know how to discern facts from fiction.
President Trump collaborated with Ukraine in order to gain "dirt" on his opponent Joe Biden for personal gain.

In the transcript from Ukrainian President Zelensky, Trump states " Biden went around bragging that he stopped the prosecution so if you ·can look into it ... " Here President Trump asks Zelensky to "look into it." This brings about the question: "What does the president mean when he asks President Zelensky to "look into it".  Looking into something means to find out more information on something whether it be an issue or situation.

 Moreover, it is important to note that Biden is referred to as the "prosecutor"  Furthermore,  Zelensky states "He or she will look into the situation, specifically to the company that you -mentioned in this issue." This company that is mention is Joe Biden or as previously mentioned the "prosecutor".  He/ She is referring to the next prosecutor general of Ukraine.  This means that President Trump is asking President Zelensky to find information on Joe Biden. 

Through the use of the word " bragging" a word with a negative connotation Trump displays a dislike for Joe Biden.  In doing so, this changes the denotation of this request. Keep in mind, President Trump is running for re-election and the frontrunner of his opposing party is Joe Biden. President Trump wants President Zelensky to find information on Joe Biden that diminishes Biden's chances of winning the election. This request is solely made for personal gain.


President Trump refers to the whistler blower as a "spy". This is President Trump's way of diminishing the importance of an issue. He gives it a name or attaches a phrase to an issue, for example, Trump called the Russia investigation a "witch hunt" this diminished the importance of the investigation for his supporters causing them to disregard Trump's connection with Russia. This encourages blind and uninformed support. Supporters echo his phrase in order to show their support which diverts attention away from himself and shifts attention towards name-calling the opposing side. This encourages division. By encouraging, division this prompts an "us versus them mentality" between Trump supporters and those who don't support Trump. Hence, if anyone says something that can degrade Trump they will support and protect him, as loyal followers do. Trump uses this divisive language to ensure that his followers can't identify with the other side, allowing him to get away issues that do not seem justified.

Question Everything.


-Alexa

Transcript of phone call



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