Word of the week: SPIN DOCTORS
Related words
1. to spin – when an idea or situation is expressed or described in a clever way that makes it seem better than it really is, especially in politics.
This media report puts a different spin on the issue concerning the attack on Georgia.
2. a spin doctor – someone whose job is to make ideas, events, etc. seem better than they really are, especially in politics.
One of the most famous spin doctors is Alistair Campbell, head of Tony Blair’s public relations.
3. spin control – controlling or changing the way a matter is considered, often in politics.
The political leader had to exercise some spin control on the issue concerning the illegal immigrants before serious trouble broke out.
In context
If someone stopped me in the street and asked me who a spin doctor is I couldn’t give a correct answer. Guessing wouldn’t do me any good as neither spin nor doctor give a hint to the true meaning.
The term ‘spin doctor’ made its public debut in 1984 in a newspaper headline ‘The debate and the Spin Doctors’ in the New York Times. The article spoke of men and women circulating among reporters and giving comments favorable of Ronald Reagan after a presidential debate. Since then the phrase has become ubiquitous, yet it’s true meaning remains vague.
Spin doctors are professionals, most often former journalists, who put a spin on an situation. They shape the interpretation of news coverage, depicting successes and hiding the failures or embarrassments of public figures. Spin-doctoring is a very powerful and influential industry. Many famous presidents and prime ministers relied on their spin doctors to help them win elections and presidential campaigns.
One of America’s high-end spin doctors Harold Wolfson failed to keep Hillary Clinton in the race for presidency. Robert Gibbs will have to exercise some spin control on the success of Barack Obama if he is to become the next American president. We shall have to wait and see.
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