Negative Campaigning seems to only get worse with time, and many politicians resort to mudslinging to attempt to sway voter’s opinions. Well, one thing is for sure – they are swaying the public’s opinions – just not in the direction that they want.
To me, making negative, exaggerated, and sometimes untrue comments about his or her rival candidate only makes the gossiper look worse. I’d rather have someone leading me who can ignore the bad-talkers and carry-on with pride.
My ideal situation was realized when McCain made a simple, short comment about his rumored affair with another woman, and said that he would not address the subject again. That’s how you deal with gossip with class. Ignoring the rumor altogether – though possibly effective – can make the story boil. McCain responded with a prompt, concise statement, and dropped it there. He didn’t carry-on with the fallacy, making more news coverage possible, but he instead put the rumor to a simmer.
It’s apparent that mudslinging has still occurred between the Obama and Clinton camps, as it did four years ago between President Bush and Kerry. Even in Atlanta, my hometown, State and Local officials put out negative advertisements.
Instead of telling the voters why he or she should vote for them, why they are the best choice, more advertising dollars is spent on why you shouldn’t vote for the opponent, why they would fail.
When will politicians get that the public detests mudslinging?
Politicians may never get the message. Mud slinging may seem just too tempting, and some people aren't above that sort of thing. Still, you'd think they'd reform for the sake of public opinion.
But truthfully, I think the public gets excited over the mud slinging. Drama drives the reality TV rating up, and sometimes I can't tell the difference between reality TV and campaign coverage.
I don't mean to be a cynic, but I think mud slinging is too interesting to some people for them to let it die all ready.