An October 8 editorial in The New York Times, Politics of Attack, claims that “Senator John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin have been running one of the most appalling campaigns we can remember.”
Engage the Spectrum wants to know what you think. Has the Republican campaign reached a new level of negativity or is this just politics as usual? Click here to add your opinion.
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October 9, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Mike
No.
October 9, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Chessie
To say the campaign has gone ‘over the top’ is roughly akin to saying that Dubya may, at some point, have made some decisions based on slightly inaccurate information and there were mild repercussions which were quickly and cheaply dealt with.
McCain is facing a landslide vote for Obama and the tactics being used are nothing short of political suicide in the face of a media age wherein every statement can be fact checked inside of two hours or, in the case of the Vice Presidential Debates, barely after the sentence was out of the candidates mouth. We’re at a place where these lies only works for the most ideologically set portions of our culture and those who are determinedly and aggressively ill-informed. This is no longer a majority.
If he can’t win by reason (as there is no reason in maintaining policy which has led us to this situation economically, politically, and socially) then he will bang that old drum of patriotism and loyalty. Fortunately the number of people who will respond to this old saw has drastically diminished since the betrayals of the current administration have come to light. For each time Bush used patriotism as a bat to beat this country into submission, McCain uses it as a bat to beat this country into action and when action comes it will be against him. Polling numbers won’t feasibly allow the massive conglomerates to purchase the vote or for there to be mass voting error.
In the event we run an honest election, McCain is a non-issue and Palin will have been exposed in all her mean small mindedness. I hope this allows us to comfortably sweep the last eight years under the carpet but forgetting them will be a mistake. Best log them for future reference when we are faced with a voting decision between a drinking buddy or an intelligent, qualified individual leading our country.
October 9, 2008 at 7:57 pm
figgers
This is nothing new. It’s just we notice it now because it’s happening, but in a few months unless there’s something that’s substantiated now or during a presidency, no one will really remember.
It’s too bad, because if these accusations can be substantiated and reported by the media, then it’s certainly a game changer.
October 9, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Ella
I AGREE! It’s ridiculous to see them carry on like they do. They have no real chance so they believe tearing the other side down is okay! IT’S NOT! It makes me terribly happy that I am NOT a republican!
October 9, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Patrick
Absolutely. And the scary thing is that if the GOP had a more charismatic candidate it might work. As it stands, with so very many issues in desperate need of real solutions, the McCain Palin campaign chooses to spew hatred, sidestep the facts, and play to the lowest common denominator. This is how the neo-conservatives run a campaign though so it is no big surprise. These Rove style tactics won’t work for McCain. Obama wins in a landslide.
October 10, 2008 at 8:57 am
engagethespectrum
Much thanks to all who have weighed in on this topic so far. Be sure to pass the link along your friends and colleagues so that they may join and expand the discussion.
Here’s some food for thought on the issue:
McCain Campaign’s Ad Spending Now Nearly 100 Percent Devoted To Attack Ads
News Flash: The Media Back Obama
Obama Hatred At McCain-Palin Rallies: “Terrorist!” “Kill Him!” (VIDEO)
Black Congressmen Declare Racism In Palin’s Rhetoric
McCain Campaign Is at Odds Over Negative Attacks’ Scope
McCain Excites Crowds With Criticism of Obama
October 10, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Danny
Learn the truth at IRNnews.com
It is clear to see that this sight is owned by liberals.
Are you all communist? Or Muslim? Do you enjoy your freedoms? Oboma is dangerous.
October 10, 2008 at 3:22 pm
the anti-danny
Danny,
As a matter of fact I do enjoy my freedoms, or to be more precise my civil liberties which this administration has systematically attempted to erase. Through the ill-informed passage of the patriot act, United States citizens can now be unconstitutionally arrested, detained indefinitely, tortured, denied access to legal counsel, denied access to writs of habeas corpus, have evidence presented against them without access to it, etc. To allow the misguided, idiotic policies which have stripped Americans of their rights under George Bush to continue with McSame and Palin is insane. As to your other questions, no I am not Communist or Muslim, but the great thing about the Constitution is that it would protect me even if I was.