Deception

The conservative strategy is always this: When the facts don't work to your advantage, try to discredit the facts.

Another variation: If you don't want voters to get information, discredit every information source you can't manipulate to suit the purposes of your agenda.

In both situations, the attempt to discredit depends on the concept of a massive evil conspiracy. So -- is it really any wonder that conservatives are the unhappiest, most frightened people in America? Everybody is out to trick them. This used to be known as paranoia.