Project on Ethics in Political Communication
@policommethics.bsky.social
The Project on Ethics in Political Communication in the School of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University promotes the study, teaching and practice of political communication ethics. The Project is led by Peter Loge, @ploge
This is obscene. Elected officials, candidates, pundits, and their staff will stop behaving like racists when voters and consumers punish them for it. Public condemnation is a critical start - but unless outrage is matched by action, racist behavior will continue.
www.axios.com/2026/02/06/t...
www.axios.com/2026/02/06/t...
Racist video of Obamas removed from Trump's social account
The post was up on Trump's Truth Social account for about 12 hours.
www.axios.com
February 6, 2026 at 8:15 PM
This is obscene. Elected officials, candidates, pundits, and their staff will stop behaving like racists when voters and consumers punish them for it. Public condemnation is a critical start - but unless outrage is matched by action, racist behavior will continue.
www.axios.com/2026/02/06/t...
www.axios.com/2026/02/06/t...
Candidates, elected officials, and pundits should not promote or excuse threats or violence. They should call out and condemn threats and violence, regardless of who is doing it and who the target is.
www.thefp.com/p/fear-is-no...
www.thefp.com/p/fear-is-no...
Fear Is Now Just Part of the Job for Politicians
Politicians are increasingly worried about a culture that sees them as targets for violence, regardless of their politics, writes Tanner Nau.
www.thefp.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Candidates, elected officials, and pundits should not promote or excuse threats or violence. They should call out and condemn threats and violence, regardless of who is doing it and who the target is.
www.thefp.com/p/fear-is-no...
www.thefp.com/p/fear-is-no...
Political violence should be condemned, even when that violence is committed against people you disagree with. The point of democracy is that we argue rather than fight. Normalizing violence undermines the point of democracy.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Rep. Ilhan Omar attacked during town hall meeting in Minneapolis
In a video from the event, a man walks up and sprays what appears to be a liquid at the Minnesota Democrat before he is taken away by security.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 28, 2026 at 1:08 PM
Political violence should be condemned, even when that violence is committed against people you disagree with. The point of democracy is that we argue rather than fight. Normalizing violence undermines the point of democracy.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Ethics is doing what you think is right, even when it comes at a personal cost.
“Weaponizing criminal investigations against political opponents is unconstitutional, regardless of who is in power..."
share.google/3F7ZGFnChHRO...
“Weaponizing criminal investigations against political opponents is unconstitutional, regardless of who is in power..."
share.google/3F7ZGFnChHRO...
Republican drops bid for governor, citing GOP’s ‘retribution’ on Minnesota
Chris Madel said in a video posted to social media that ICE operations in his state have been an “unmitigated disaster” and that he “cannot support the national Republicans’ stated retribution on the ...
share.google
January 26, 2026 at 10:58 PM
Ethics is doing what you think is right, even when it comes at a personal cost.
“Weaponizing criminal investigations against political opponents is unconstitutional, regardless of who is in power..."
share.google/3F7ZGFnChHRO...
“Weaponizing criminal investigations against political opponents is unconstitutional, regardless of who is in power..."
share.google/3F7ZGFnChHRO...
It is unethical to deceptively alter pictures to make a political point.
www.cbsnews.com/news/white-h...
www.cbsnews.com/news/white-h...
White House posts an altered photo of Minnesota protester's arrest to make it look like she was crying
The image, which an expert said was likely altered with AI, sparked backlash online. The White House doubled down, saying, "The memes will continue."
www.cbsnews.com
January 24, 2026 at 9:04 PM
It is unethical to deceptively alter pictures to make a political point.
www.cbsnews.com/news/white-h...
www.cbsnews.com/news/white-h...
The point of an independant judiciary is that it's independant. Attacking or threatening judges because you disagree - even strongly - with their rulings is undemocratic.
thehill.com/homenews/hou...
thehill.com/homenews/hou...
thehill.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:15 AM
The point of an independant judiciary is that it's independant. Attacking or threatening judges because you disagree - even strongly - with their rulings is undemocratic.
thehill.com/homenews/hou...
thehill.com/homenews/hou...
The point of democracy is that you don't need dictators but you do need elections. Leaders of democratic nations shouldn't talk about cancelling elections or promoting dictatorships.
www.newsweek.com/trump-davos-...
www.newsweek.com/trump-davos-...
Donald Trump says "sometimes you need a dictator" at Davos CEO reception
Speaking at the World Economic Forum CEO reception in Davos, President Donald Trump said “sometimes you need a dictator” while reflecting on reactions to his earlier speech.
www.newsweek.com
January 21, 2026 at 9:56 PM
The point of democracy is that you don't need dictators but you do need elections. Leaders of democratic nations shouldn't talk about cancelling elections or promoting dictatorships.
www.newsweek.com/trump-davos-...
www.newsweek.com/trump-davos-...
In 2019 I asked students in my political communication ethics class about the ethics of a Rep running as a Dem in the fictional state of West Carolina.
In 2026 voters in the real state of North Carolina will be able to answer that question.
www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaig...
In 2026 voters in the real state of North Carolina will be able to answer that question.
www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaig...
NC Democrat switches to GOP for gerrymandering campaign against Moore
Kate Barr, who ran an intentionally-hopeless state senate campaign in 2024 to highlight gerrymandering in her state, is switching to the Republican Party.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
January 10, 2026 at 2:53 PM
In 2019 I asked students in my political communication ethics class about the ethics of a Rep running as a Dem in the fictional state of West Carolina.
In 2026 voters in the real state of North Carolina will be able to answer that question.
www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaig...
In 2026 voters in the real state of North Carolina will be able to answer that question.
www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaig...
"Our most precious commodities are time and attention...how you focus your time and attention tells me a lot about who you are and the ethical choices you’re making in the world."
www.deseret.com/politics/202...
www.deseret.com/politics/202...
Shaping campaigns responsibly: The role of political consultants
How do advisers tell candidates what they think they should, and shouldn't, do?
www.deseret.com
January 1, 2026 at 1:25 PM
"Our most precious commodities are time and attention...how you focus your time and attention tells me a lot about who you are and the ethical choices you’re making in the world."
www.deseret.com/politics/202...
www.deseret.com/politics/202...
More elected officials should follow the lead of Minnesota State Rep. Coleman (R) and call out nonsense for what it is - nonsense.
wapo.st/3KQqsNe
wapo.st/3KQqsNe
As rumors swirl after political killings, this GOP lawmaker draws a line
Minnesota state senator Julia Coleman knew both Charlie Kirk and Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman. She is fed up with the conspiracy theories around their deaths.
wapo.st
December 30, 2025 at 9:10 PM
More elected officials should follow the lead of Minnesota State Rep. Coleman (R) and call out nonsense for what it is - nonsense.
wapo.st/3KQqsNe
wapo.st/3KQqsNe
Teaching politics, political communications, or campaigns this spring? Looking for resources on ethics? Good news - a bunch are below.
If you aren't going to include ethics in your course, well, you should.
If you aren't going to include ethics in your course, well, you should.
December 30, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Teaching politics, political communications, or campaigns this spring? Looking for resources on ethics? Good news - a bunch are below.
If you aren't going to include ethics in your course, well, you should.
If you aren't going to include ethics in your course, well, you should.
Veteran Republican strategist Joe Pounder joined Project on Ethics in Political Communication director Peter Loge for a conversation about ethics and political consulting. You can watch our dicussion here.
youtu.be/FUX9jrJpMKY
youtu.be/FUX9jrJpMKY
Ethics and Political Consultants: A conversation with Joe Pounder
YouTube video by Ethics in Political Communication
youtu.be
December 17, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Veteran Republican strategist Joe Pounder joined Project on Ethics in Political Communication director Peter Loge for a conversation about ethics and political consulting. You can watch our dicussion here.
youtu.be/FUX9jrJpMKY
youtu.be/FUX9jrJpMKY
Ethics and political consultants - a conversation with veteran Republican strategist Joe Pounder today at noon.
www.ethicsinpoliticalcommunication.org/blog/ethics-...
www.ethicsinpoliticalcommunication.org/blog/ethics-...
Ethics and Political Consultants — Project on Ethics in Political Communication
Veteran Republican political advisor Joe Pounder joins Peter Loge, the director of the Project on Ethics in Political Communication on Wednesday, December 17 at noon ET for ...
www.ethicsinpoliticalcommunication.org
December 17, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Ethics and political consultants - a conversation with veteran Republican strategist Joe Pounder today at noon.
www.ethicsinpoliticalcommunication.org/blog/ethics-...
www.ethicsinpoliticalcommunication.org/blog/ethics-...
What are the ethics of political consulting?
Join the Project on Ethics in Political Communication for a conversation with veteran Republican consultant Joe Pounder on Weds, Jan 17.
www.ethicsinpoliticalcommunication.org/blog/ethics-...
Join the Project on Ethics in Political Communication for a conversation with veteran Republican consultant Joe Pounder on Weds, Jan 17.
www.ethicsinpoliticalcommunication.org/blog/ethics-...
Ethics and Political Consultants — Project on Ethics in Political Communication
Veteran Republican political advisor Joe Pounder joins Peter Loge, the director of the Project on Ethics in Political Communication on Wednesday, December 17 at noon ET for ...
www.ethicsinpoliticalcommunication.org
December 15, 2025 at 2:50 PM
What are the ethics of political consulting?
Join the Project on Ethics in Political Communication for a conversation with veteran Republican consultant Joe Pounder on Weds, Jan 17.
www.ethicsinpoliticalcommunication.org/blog/ethics-...
Join the Project on Ethics in Political Communication for a conversation with veteran Republican consultant Joe Pounder on Weds, Jan 17.
www.ethicsinpoliticalcommunication.org/blog/ethics-...
Join Project on Ethics in Political Communication director Peter Loge for a conversation about ethics and political consultants with veteran Republican strategist Joe Pounder - Weds, Dec 17th at noon ET.
Details and registration:
www.ethicsinpoliticalcommunication.org/blog/ethics-...
Details and registration:
www.ethicsinpoliticalcommunication.org/blog/ethics-...
Ethics and Political Consultants — Project on Ethics in Political Communication
Veteran Republican political advisor Joe Pounder joins Peter Loge, the director of the Project on Ethics in Political Communication on Wednesday, December 17 at noon ET for ...
www.ethicsinpoliticalcommunication.org
December 4, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Join Project on Ethics in Political Communication director Peter Loge for a conversation about ethics and political consultants with veteran Republican strategist Joe Pounder - Weds, Dec 17th at noon ET.
Details and registration:
www.ethicsinpoliticalcommunication.org/blog/ethics-...
Details and registration:
www.ethicsinpoliticalcommunication.org/blog/ethics-...
The problem with AI generated fakes isn't the AI - it's the faking. Project on Ethics in Political Communication's latest for @thehill.com
thehill.com/opinion/tech...
thehill.com/opinion/tech...
thehill.com
November 29, 2025 at 9:08 PM
The problem with AI generated fakes isn't the AI - it's the faking. Project on Ethics in Political Communication's latest for @thehill.com
thehill.com/opinion/tech...
thehill.com/opinion/tech...
Public service is not for private gain.
“Government officials should not, and should not appear to be, endorsing a commercial product. Full stop,” Project on Ethics in Political Communication director Peter Loge.
www.notus.org/money/mike-h...
“Government officials should not, and should not appear to be, endorsing a commercial product. Full stop,” Project on Ethics in Political Communication director Peter Loge.
www.notus.org/money/mike-h...
Mike Huckabee Is Peddling Sleep Supplements While Serving as Ambassador to Israel
“Ambassadors need to sleep, too,” the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem said in a statement.
www.notus.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Public service is not for private gain.
“Government officials should not, and should not appear to be, endorsing a commercial product. Full stop,” Project on Ethics in Political Communication director Peter Loge.
www.notus.org/money/mike-h...
“Government officials should not, and should not appear to be, endorsing a commercial product. Full stop,” Project on Ethics in Political Communication director Peter Loge.
www.notus.org/money/mike-h...
"...calling your opponents traitors — and then specifically saying that it warrants the death penalty — is reckless, inappropriate, irresponsible.” US Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)
We couldn't have said it better.
thehill.com/homenews/562...
We couldn't have said it better.
thehill.com/homenews/562...
thehill.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:08 PM
"...calling your opponents traitors — and then specifically saying that it warrants the death penalty — is reckless, inappropriate, irresponsible.” US Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)
We couldn't have said it better.
thehill.com/homenews/562...
We couldn't have said it better.
thehill.com/homenews/562...
Calling for the execution of your political opponents is obviously wrong and should be condemned.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/u...
Trump Accuses Democrats of Sedition, ‘Punishable by Death,’ Over Message to the Military
www.nytimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Calling for the execution of your political opponents is obviously wrong and should be condemned.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/u...
AI gets the headline, but it's the faking that's the problem. Campaigns shouldn't make stuff up about their opponants.
www.wsbtv.com/news/local/a...
www.wsbtv.com/news/local/a...
Ad featuring AI generated senator in Georgia highlights use of technology in political campaigns
“I think this is the future of negative campaigning,” a political science professor said.
www.wsbtv.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:48 AM
AI gets the headline, but it's the faking that's the problem. Campaigns shouldn't make stuff up about their opponants.
www.wsbtv.com/news/local/a...
www.wsbtv.com/news/local/a...
Join the Project on Ethics in Political Communication next Monday, Nov. 10 at 2p ET for a conversation about ethics and advocacy in a time of Trump with political strategist, tech exec, and former Republican Lucy Caldwell.
Details and registration here:
forms.gle/FKEB2NLsH5Ma...
Details and registration here:
forms.gle/FKEB2NLsH5Ma...
Ethics and Advocacy in a time of Trump: A conversation with Lucy Caldwell
Political strategist and democracy advocate Lucy Caldwell joins Peter Loge, the director of the Project on Ethics in Political Communication on Monday, Nov. 10 at 2:00pm ET.
Lucy Caldwell is a polit...
forms.gle
November 4, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Join the Project on Ethics in Political Communication next Monday, Nov. 10 at 2p ET for a conversation about ethics and advocacy in a time of Trump with political strategist, tech exec, and former Republican Lucy Caldwell.
Details and registration here:
forms.gle/FKEB2NLsH5Ma...
Details and registration here:
forms.gle/FKEB2NLsH5Ma...
The Trump administration is using pictures and videos that aren't connected to its claims to make the case for its policies. This is deceptive and wrong.
wapo.st/4oMJke4
wapo.st/4oMJke4
We checked DHS’s videos of chaos and protests. Here’s what they leave out.
Official videos purporting to show the triumph of recent immigration operations used footage that was months old or recorded thousands of miles away, a Washington Post analysis found.
wapo.st
November 1, 2025 at 12:10 PM
The Trump administration is using pictures and videos that aren't connected to its claims to make the case for its policies. This is deceptive and wrong.
wapo.st/4oMJke4
wapo.st/4oMJke4
The government should not threaten people who report on or speak out about government officials. The point of the First Amendment is to allow the public and press to criticize the government.
A spokesman for the North Carolina Republican Party appeared to threaten ProPublica, urging President Trump to “feed” the news outlet to the “USAID wood chipper,” over a story it published on a prominent conservative state Supreme Court judge.
N.C. GOP spokesman urges reporter to drop news story, citing Trump ties
Communications director Matt Mercer later said in a social media post that Trump should “feed ProPublica to the USAID wood chipper.”
wapo.st
November 1, 2025 at 12:04 PM
The government should not threaten people who report on or speak out about government officials. The point of the First Amendment is to allow the public and press to criticize the government.
The problem of AI generated fake audio isn't AI - it's fake audio. People don't need AI to lie, they are perfectly capable of lying on their own. AI makes it easier and faster, but the problem remains lying, not AI.
thehill.com/homenews/med...
thehill.com/homenews/med...
thehill.com
October 29, 2025 at 10:40 AM
The problem of AI generated fake audio isn't AI - it's fake audio. People don't need AI to lie, they are perfectly capable of lying on their own. AI makes it easier and faster, but the problem remains lying, not AI.
thehill.com/homenews/med...
thehill.com/homenews/med...
Instead of AI, what if it had been an impersonator or human stand in?
AI is the news hook but the question is about the connection between image, truth, and reality. New tech, questions at least as old as Plato.
www.axios.com/local/richmo...
AI is the news hook but the question is about the connection between image, truth, and reality. New tech, questions at least as old as Plato.
www.axios.com/local/richmo...
Virginia GOP candidate debates AI version of his opponent
The move from John Reid, who's running for lieutenant governor, is the latest in a weird election year.
www.axios.com
October 24, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Instead of AI, what if it had been an impersonator or human stand in?
AI is the news hook but the question is about the connection between image, truth, and reality. New tech, questions at least as old as Plato.
www.axios.com/local/richmo...
AI is the news hook but the question is about the connection between image, truth, and reality. New tech, questions at least as old as Plato.
www.axios.com/local/richmo...