Meaning: The quote "If you really want to diminish a candidate, depict him as the foil of his handler. This is as old in American politics as politics itself." by Karl Rove, a prominent American political consultant and strategist, reflects the longstanding strategy of using a candidate's association with their political advisor or handler as a means to discredit them. This tactic has been employed throughout the history of American politics, and it continues to be relevant in contemporary political discourse.

In the realm of political communication and strategy, the concept of the "foil" refers to a person who contrasts with another and is used to highlight the qualities of the other person. When applied to political candidates and their handlers, depicting the candidate as the foil of their handler can be a deliberate attempt to undermine the candidate's credibility and independence. By emphasizing the influence of the handler over the candidate, political opponents or critics seek to sow doubt about the candidate's authenticity, autonomy, and leadership abilities.

Karl Rove's quote alludes to the power of perception and the manipulation of public opinion in the political arena. It underscores the idea that by framing a candidate as subordinate to their handler, political adversaries can tarnish the candidate's image and weaken their appeal to voters. This tactic capitalizes on the public's skepticism towards political figures and their advisors, exploiting any perceived imbalance in the candidate-handler relationship to cast doubt on the candidate's suitability for office.

Throughout American history, there have been numerous instances of candidates being portrayed as puppets of their advisors or handlers. This tactic has been used to exploit vulnerabilities in a candidate's public image and to create a narrative that undermines their credibility. By associating the candidate with the negative attributes or actions of their handler, political opponents seek to tarnish the candidate's reputation and erode public trust in their leadership.

The use of this strategy can also be seen as a form of character assassination, as it aims to discredit the candidate by proxy. Rather than directly attacking the candidate, the focus is shifted to their relationship with their handler, thereby casting doubt on the candidate's judgment, decision-making ability, and integrity. This approach can be particularly effective in an era of heightened scrutiny and skepticism towards political figures and their advisors.

In modern political campaigns, the depiction of a candidate as the foil of their handler continues to be a prevalent tactic. With the increasing influence of media and the 24-hour news cycle, political messaging and narratives can be quickly disseminated and amplified, making it essential for candidates to carefully manage their public image and guard against attempts to undermine their credibility.

In conclusion, Karl Rove's quote encapsulates a timeless strategy in American politics – the portrayal of a candidate as the foil of their handler to diminish their standing in the eyes of the public. This tactic exploits the public's skepticism towards political figures and their advisors, seeking to erode the candidate's credibility and leadership appeal. Understanding this strategy is crucial for political candidates and their teams as they navigate the complexities of modern political communication and seek to maintain a positive public image.