Sense and Nonsense

Negative Campaigning

The Times also has an interesting article today about negative campaigns and the necessity of responding to smears.  As an astute observer of American politics, you already know about all that.   But it's still interesting.  I like the historical introduction, with the Jeffersonian slur that his opponent, John Adams, was a “hideous hermaphroditical character, which has neither the force of a man, nor the gentleness and sensibility of a woman”; and if re-elected he would crown himself king; and, by the way, he was “mentally deranged.”  Jefferson (or his slur-writers) would be prized members of Karl Rove's slime brigade.

Campaign Ads

Take a look at this absolutely ridiculous campaign ad for Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).  If he weren't a Republican, one might feel embarrassment for him.

That's a really lousy political ad, but it probably cost his campaign a fortune.  Here's another option, for those who want to hoodwink the public more cheaply.