Politicians schooled by ex soviet inspired AgitProp agents have been using this technique worldwide for years.

If you can't defend your policies, attack those who question them.

To disagree with a black person is racist, to disagree with a woman is sexist. To disagree with a foreigner is xenophobia. To disagree with any 'new' policy is reactionary.

Years ago I asked a girl 'what is a male chauvinist pig?'

"What a woman calls a man when she isn't getting her own way".