Political Manipulation

verb to deceive or trick someone through elaborate or complex methods

• The con artist tried to bamboozle investors with false promises of high returns.
• I can't believe she tried to bamboozle me into lending her money again.
• Don't let them bamboozle you with their smooth talk.
• The magician's sleight of hand bamboozled the audience into believing the coin disappeared.

noun a display or appearance that is not genuine or true

• The politician's promises turned out to be a false show of commitment to the people.
• Don't be fooled by his false show of sympathy, he doesn't really care.
• Her apology was just a false show, she doesn't mean it at all.
• The elaborate decorations were just a false show to distract from the true issues at hand.

noun a combination of words that are used to deceive or confuse someone

conjunction used to link the words 'smoke' and 'mirrors' together

• The magician's performance was full of smoke and mirrors, dazzling the audience with illusions.
• Don't be fooled by their promises, it's all just smoke and mirrors.
• That new product they're advertising is just smoke and mirrors, it doesn't actually work.
• His explanations were just smoke and mirrors, trying to cover up the truth.