Teaching Conservative Political Leaders How to Handle Smear Campaigns with Poise and Power

Politics is brutal.

It's bloody.

And if you desire to launch your work in this space, be ready to deal with an onslaught of chaos designed to annihilate you and your purpose.

For today's Empowering Post, I want to teach you how to handle smear campaigns with poise and power, especially if you feel called to operate in the political sphere.

As a new leader, you will inevitably experience at least one campaign designed to destroy you and your work.

Smear campaigns are typically "effective" tools used to persuade the general public to "disown" you. These campaigns rest under the "cancel culture" umbrella. And no matter how much good you do, smear campaigns will often thwart your progress ... unless you learn how to finesse them.

In this lesson, I will teach you the history of political smear campaigns and the 5 steps you can take to combat them when they rise against you.

More specifically, you can rise above smear campaigns when you:

1. Know your purpose, know to whom God called you to empower, and know how to be resolute in your calling;
2. Know how to own your hard story and embrace all the lessons that came from that experience;
3. Know how to publish your hard story in book format so no one can use it against you;
4. Know which consultant to work with who specializes in Kingdom principles, effective communications, and smear handling;
5. And know how to stand in the face of opposition without fear.

As you will come to learn, persecution can produce power. But to be in this invincible position, you must learn to flex using Kingdom laws and spiritual principles.

Now, let's get into this teaching.

​Were You Called to Lead in This Area of Politics?

There is a saying: “If God be for you, who can stand against you?”

The cliche bears truth for those who are called to fulfill a unique assignment.

In Florence Scovel Shinn’s book, The Game of Life and How to Play It, she argues, “There is for each man perfect self-expression. There is a place which he is to fill and no one else can fill, something which he is to do, which no one else can do; it is his destiny.”

There is something truly powerful about those words when placed in context of the political sphere.

I have always contended, among those who are the world’s greatest leaders, these are individuals who discovered their purpose and pursued it passionately and persistently.

No matter the opposition, these leaders emerged unscathed because they have learned, nothing can stop one’s destiny except themselves.

Over the years, I taught tens of thousands of Conservatives online about the power of spiritual laws, knowing God the Holy Spirit for themselves, and tapping into their God-given purpose so they empower the people God wants them to serve.

I deliver the same teachings and principles to rising Conservative Candidates who believe their purpose aligns with the political world.

And here’s why.

Politics is brutal. It’s bloody. It’s a war zone, a battlefield of ideas that often include slander, smears, lies, trickery, deceit, and more.

Politics is not for the fragile or faint of heart.

It is not for spineless cowards, either.

Politics demands you possess keen insight and mental fortitude to handle the challenges that come with it.

Politics is also the place where the seat of local, state, and national power reside. It is the channel by which key figures dominate so they best serve the people.

But it can also be corrupted, which we are no stranger to. In fact, politics connotes corruption so surreptitiously, it’s any wonder why a person would enter this arena.

The answer for many people is simple: They feel called to work in politics.

And while there are those among us who seek political office for personal power, there are others who know God is leading them to this place so the people are not abused.

Any candidate desiring to train under my leadership and to get the winning results I produce would do well to keep this in mind.

Unless you are called to function in this sphere, do not enter this place.
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For it will be your calling and purpose that help protect you against the onslaught that dominates this world.

The History of Smear Campaigns in American Politics

​In 2019, Brookings Institution published a short history of campaign smears in American politics, which have been a part of our nation since the early 1800s.​

In America today, outrageous lies, doctored videos, and impostors try to influence elections alongside legitimate news and direct campaign communications from would-be leaders. But dirty tricks are nothing new. While the medium may be different, the goals are as old as elections themselves. Thus it is fitting to begin working on the problem of defending democracy in the internet age by trying to understand the world of dirty tricks in the pre-internet age.

In 2012, The Saturday Evening Post published a similar report that chronicled the long-standing tradition of smear campaigns in American politics.

There’s always the hope, with the start of every presidential campaign, that this time it will be different. This year, maybe the candidates will offer intelligent, practical solutions to the country’s problems. They emphasize what they’ll do, not dwell on the many shortcomings of their opponent.

And usually we’re disappointed. No matter how earnest and well-intentioned a presidential campaign begins, by the time it approaches the finish line, it usually assumes an atmosphere somewhere between a carnival midway and a bar fight.
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We had an intelligent, respectable election once, and the winner was George Washington. By the time the next election came around, the gloves were off and the tar buckets filled, as Jack Anderson pointed out.

This article provides several examples of political smears against leaders like Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, men whom we consider powerful thought leaders of their day.

Adams’s opponent, Thomas Jefferson … was accused of being the son of a half-breed Indian and a mulatto father. Voters were warned that Jefferson’s election would result in a civil war and a national orgy of rape, incest, and adultery.

Andrew Jackson [was portrayed by his opponents] as a bloodthirsty wild man; a trigger-happy brawler; the son of a prostitute and a black man… his older brother had been sold as a slave [and] Jackson … had put to death soldiers who had offended him.
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During the campaign of 1864, Lincoln was tagged with every filthy name in the political lexicon, from ape to ghoul to traitor. Midway through his first term, his detractors accused his wife of collaborating with Confederates, a charge which compelled the President to appear, uninvited, before a Senate committee which was secretly considering the allegations [and swear to his wife’s innocence.]

Much of the chaos we witness in today’s political arena stem from the behaviors America’s Forefathers established.

As Solomon once preached, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).
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When considering the motives behind smear campaigns, Brookings Institution reported these findings:

To understand the world of dirty tricks it helps to understand their function in the context of an election. Elections are fought over a finite period of time—Election Day is the endpoint—and public interest increases as Election Day approaches. Unlike a dirty trick against a corporation, which might be remedied in time for a product to rebound, a dirty trick timed to occur before the election can have a definitive impact even if it is proven to be false. The ramifications can be enormous because U.S. elections cannot be re-run.
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A brief summary of some of the dirty tricks in American elections shows that they tend to have the following objectives: create doubt around a candidate’s character; confuse the voters about the election; break into the opponent’s sphere and get information on them; and affect the actual outcome by interfering with the counting process.

I present this brief history to warn you, Beloved.

The playbook in American politics has already been created; and according to their rules of the game, the candidate who can best his opponent using the most controversial stories stands a strong chance of winning.

But what does it profit a man if he gains power by these means in exchange for his soul? Is this the fate for principled Conservative Leaders as well? Is this the game all candidates must play?

Surely, there must be a better way to win.

And there is.

Spiritual laws provide the winning solution, proving why morality is invincible.

​5 Methods for Handling Smear Campaigns

Over the years, my brand as a Coach has focused on empowering rising leaders who have hard, scandalous stories.

In 2016, after spending significant time with God the Holy Spirit, He inspired me to use my own experience to prove that in this last hour, He would raise up “the least of these” to carry out His greatest exploits.

Among these people are those whom society deems “unfit” to be used. Yet, God is clear: Those who have been forgiven of much love harder.

Therefore, they need not be ashamed to function in their God-given grace, because we all have a part or share in this great Kingdom work.

But to be most effective, these individuals — you included, Beloved — must learn how to navigate this landscape so you always win.

And as always, I will remind you that principles will be key factors to protect you in this arena, because, again, politics is brutal.

In this next section, I want to teach you 5 methods for handing smear campaigns as you pursue a political career.
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1. Be resolute in your calling. Know your purpose. And know to whom God called you to empower. In a previous lesson, I taught you about the story of Joseph, who was destined to rise to political power for the purpose of saving a nation. But prior to this rise, he endured some of the harshest experiences imaginable. Nevertheless, he remained resolute in his essence. He knew his purpose. He used his gifts and talents to his advantage, impressing the highest ranking government officials during his time. And he understood exactly why God brought him to Egypt. In like manner, you must be resolute in your calling, Beloved. You must know your purpose and hold fast to it, no matter the opposition. If politics is your field, you must know the people God is calling you to empower. This understanding will fortify your mind and keep you focused, even as your political opponents try to destroy you.
2. Own your story. All of it. When working with my clients, I ask this specific question: “What is the story that nearly killed you? I want you to own it so no one can use it against you.” In telling your own story, you stifle your opponent’s ability to use it as a part of any political smear campaign. We all encounter hardships, some due to our poor choices and others because someone else harmed us. Whatever the case, you are responsible for owning your truth and standing firm on it, no matter what people say or think.
3. Publish your story in book format and use it to empower those whom you will lead in the near future. Book publishing is the #1 method for conveying your empowering message and story to an audience. It’s also the #1 tool for Conservative Leaders who want to package their ideas and policies for the general public. Within these books, leaders can embed their hard stories and demonstrate how their conservative values brought them out of those trying times. But that’s not all book publishing does. This medium also has the power to tell your truth before the midwits and bootlicking slanderers do it. Contrary to popular belief, voters love a hero’s tale. They love transparency. They even love flawed leaders who express their need for the same type of salvation the general public needs. For this reason, even the most scandalous story can be forgiven or assuaged when packaged the proper way in a book.
4. Hire a consultant who specializes in election victories despite the smear campaigns. There are plenty of Conservative Consultants in this political arena, but very few who know how to adequately handle smear campaigns. Often times, campaign managers will tell a candidate to remain quiet while a smear campaign emerges; some will tell their client to make a generic statement; most simply won’t know what to do because they have not developed the skill sets to “read” the general public. But when you can find a consultant or coach who knows how to finesse smear campaigns while using them to flex on one’s political opponent, hire that consultant immediately.
5. Finally, if you apply the strategies above, show no fear. The underlying purpose of a political smear campaign is to discourage you from fulfilling your purpose in this space. Politics is full of hypocrisy. And what your opponents say about you, they will remain quiet if their ally commits the same “scandal.” As such, you need not worry or fear. Remain poised under pressure, for this displays a level of power most people will never possess. Every smear campaign will have a unique blueprint for handling it. And a skilled consultant will devise an effective communications plan to address the matter while still helping you win the voters’ hearts.

Every lesson I teach comes from years of experience and knowledge of working principles that guarantee success.

My confidence in the message I preach and among the victories I help secure stem from my awareness of power-consciousness and active faith.

Today, God has given you a Coach to help you manifest your calling in a spirit of excellence.

I will teach you how to navigate this political world while winning the battles based on morality, Kingdom principles, and spiritual laws.

When you learn to do things God’s way, you will ALWAYS get His results.

And I want to encourage you to make the decision today to join my exclusive training today.

​Register for Our Bi-Annual CCM Leadership Convention | Build Your Thought Leadership in the Social, Political, or Economic Sphere

Join Coach Felecia Killings and her guest speakers for our annual 3-day event hosted in Atlanta, GA. 

Sponsored by The Felecia Killings Foundation, The CCM Leadership Convention will help rising leaders like you establish powerful thought leadership in the social, political, and economic spheres.

During our intensive training, you will learn key principles that will help you bring your ideas to the national forefront. Event topics include:

• Learning key strategies for effective leadership based on Kingdom laws and spiritual principles;
• Learning how to bring your voice, your message, and your mission to the national forefront;
• Networking with key leaders in your industry;
• Accessing independent and mainstream media outlets to deliver your empowering message;
• Improving your public speaking skills so your messages are conveyed clearly and succinctly in media;
• Identifying key social, political, and economic issues and creating effective, solutions;
• Packaging your solutions in book format so you build credibility and authority in your industry;
• And so much more!

Don't miss this exciting time to receive our in-person training.

​Our Convention Schedule

Day 1 — Establishing Powerful Thought Leadership in the Social, Political, or Economic Spheres

• 9:00 am - 10:00 am: Guiding Principles for Effective Leadership
• 10:10 am - 11:30 am: Identifying and Clarifying Your Vision and Mission
• 11:40 am - 12:40 pm: Identifying and Clarifying Your Core Message
• 12:40 pm - 1:15 pm: Lunch and Fellowship
• 1:20 pm - 3:00 pm: Understanding Social Media, Building an Online Movement, and Creating Your Content Creation Machine
• 3:15 pm - 4:30 pm: Creating Your Ideal Audience and Curating Solutions 
• 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm: Convention Homework Assignment (Preparation for Day 2)

Day 2 — Packaging Your Thought Leadership in Books

• 9:00 am - 10:00 am: Group Discussion
• 10:10 am - 11:30 am: Understanding the Principles of Book Publishing
• 11:40 am - 12:40 pm: Understanding the Science of Effective Storytelling
• 12:40 pm - 1:15 pm: Lunch and Fellowship
• 1:20 pm - 4:20 pm: Writing Workshop (Developing Your Story and Book)
• 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm: Convention Homework Assignment (Preparation for Day 3)

Day 3 — Packaging Your Thought Leadership in Online Courses and Coaching Programs

• 9:00 am - 10:00 am: Group Discussion
• 10:10 am - 12:30 pm: How to Monetize Your Thought Leadership Using Coaching Programs and Online Courses
• 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm: Convention Feedback, Evaluations, and Extended Training
• 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm: The Great Debate on Twitter/X

Register Today!