Negative campaigns a necessary evil

BIZPACReview.com ^ | 2/27/2012 | John R. Smith

[SmileRight]

We hear all this “ain’t it awful” talk about how people hate negative campaign ads. They ought to be banned, some people say. I disagree, so together let’s explore why.

First thing to know is that while negative campaigning carries risk, it usually works. It turns underdogs into winners. But it must be done right or it will backfire.

There are two types of negative campaign media. First are the nasty attack ads using emotional content not factually based, or crammed with half-truths. The other type uses accurate negative content that is based on facts.

As a voter, you are entitled to know the truth. And you ought to want to know the truth about someone who’s asking for your vote, one of your sacred rights. Since almost all politicians try to hide their negatives, voters become enlightened when opponents publicize detrimental facts about their opposition.

When people tell me they don’t like negative ads and they’re going to vote against all politicians who use them, I smile inside and say...

[SmileRight]

It's the rubber-neck syndrome. We all watch intently. It's hard not to, but I think it does get to a point of overkill if a candidate is not careful. The Florida presidential primary is a good example. We were bombarded!

[Linda Frances]

Negative campaigning with lies is evil and NOT necessary.

[Jacvin]

One mans truth is another mans lie.

[Jack of all Trades]

The death of real criticism and argument are among the greatest tragedies that have occurred to civilization in the last 20 to 50 years. There's so much mud slinging and self-defined truth repeated ad nauseum that most reasoned, cogent critiques just get buried. The one's that don't get slathered over with the "going negative" broad brush.

The level of political debate is third grade school yard at best

[Iron Munro]

If the ads or statements are lies they are wrong.

If they are truthful it is not a bad thing.

Since the media has largely abandoned its reprortorial responsibility to vet all candidates equally and become cheerleaders for democrats, fact based campaign ads and statements by the opposition candidates are one of the few ways we have of hearing the truth.

[Jacvin]

agreed

[Ollies girl]

Been a long time since I have heard something that articulates my thoughts exactly . . . you are soooo right! When you go back in history and hear our Founding Fathers debate and criticize, it is a fine example of what we should be doing to express our concerns with our Political foes.

[Jack of all Trades]

Well, thanks 8^]

I’m sure there was plenty of low brow stuff back then too. The internet gives everyone a megaphone now.

Not that I’m the welcoming committee, but welcome aboard.

[Doors]

Exactly - it’s like watching a train wreck.

[cap10mike]

Then there is a third kind of negative ad. It;s one which is true, which sounds very negative but isn’t! EXAMPLE: My opponent’s sister is a noted thespian!”