The value of strategic praise

Sometimes in politics, loving your enemies can be the right political play and not just because it’ll drive them a little bit crazy.

Advocacy groups should note that it's beneficial to their cause if they publicly praise a politician or government that's acting on an issue important to the group even if the political leanings between the two are different, writes Gerry Nicholls. For one, that praise will make it harder for the politician to reverse their decision.The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Opinion

BY GERRY NICHOLLS

July 14, 2025

I came across a meme the other day that made me smile not because it was funny, but because it reminded me of an underused and underappreciated political tactic.

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