Epshteyn’s recent “Bottom Line” is a classic case of the “poisoning
the well” tactic: if you don’t like facts, attack the source of the facts as
somehow suspect, and perhaps you can get your audience to think the facts
themselves aren’t what they are.
Fidelity, bravery, integrity. That is the motto of the FBI. These days it is that integrity which is being called into question.
Note the use of passive voice. The FBI’s integrity is “being called into
question.” By whom? By Epshteyn? It’s not clear. By choosing the passive voice, Epshteyn
avoids putting his own reputation where his mouth is while also implying that
this integrity-questioning is “out there” in the public sphere in general, not
that it is pointedly coming from specific parties who have something to gain
from doing so.
