We mentioned this on the podcast a while back, but one of the most striking features of our current politics is the absence of shame. `
A while back, groups would have been embarrassed to put out something like what Economists for Free Trade released today.
But now it simply doesn't matter. Their supporters do not assess their credibility on the basis of accuracy, but on public relations.
We'll all show that it is false - objectively, verifiably false, as a point of fact, not argument. And it won't make any difference.
They can still gibber away in the press, which is overwhelmingly friendly, and be invited onto a couple of broadcast shows, where it'll descend into he-said-she-said.
They'll not succeed in winning the debate - that isn't the purpose. It is to use lies and misdirection to muddy the debate, where in fact there is no mud. It is clear as day: no-deal would be catastrophic.
The sanction against this type of behaviour used to be shame: losing the respect and backing of your supporters. But if no-one in your tribe gives a damn about accuracy, then that sanction ceases to function.
