|
Authentic Edge: There's no art in negative campaigning
Campaign season is here and that comes with annoying political advertisements, which will flood our television. Political advertising bothers me because I’m not getting any solid information. Instead, one candidate bashes the opposite candidate in hopes the public is persuaded toward agreeing with their specific stance. Is it me or is that an insult on public intelligence? However, we keep buying into these tasteless ad campaigns. I wonder, for a country that is supposedly based on integrity and pride, why we have insecurities with the way we approach our desire for popular vote. What are these ads really teaching our youth about competition? When we take a deeper look at what is provided in these advertisements, some individuals make a decision based off the politician who has gained the last word instead of the politician who leads the right way - with integrity and character. I’m not endorsing any particular candidate, nor am I saying one way of campaigning is better, but what would things look like if candidates did not engage in such unproductive advertising? After all, it is the public that ultimately supports these ads financially and beyond, so shouldn’t we have a bigger say in how the format is approached? In rhetoric, there is an art to persuasion, but I do not see any art in negative attacks. That is so easy; my five-year-old niece can do that. I hope campaign consultants and staff help politicians rise above degradation toward the opposing candidate and show some character for a change as they seek to gain the popular vote of the public.
|