Digg ThisJust so you know where I’m coming from. And then there’s this article on the direction of campaign ads by party.
Anderson Cooper reported yesterday that political attack ads are increasing (javascript video link available here, “The art of the political attack ad “).
Here’s just a couple of examples of the dirty dealing:
DeWine exploits 9/11 with doctored ad
Blackwell suggests that Ted Strickland supports NaMBLA
Here’s a few more:
5 Nastiest Political Ads
And a few more:
Holding Politicians Responsible
I could go on and on, ad nauseum, and not even show a preference for a particular candidate or party. Mudslinging has become a way of life for our political system; as I said before, it’s gone too far.
These ads get my dander up so much I had a hard time getting to sleep last night. All these ads accomplish is to divide the country and separate us from each other, preventing us from getting done that we need to get done, like improving school funding, border control, and the like.
Tell me that the politicians aren’t connected to their respective 527s, and I’ll show you that Mike DeWine (not to pick on him, this is just an example from Ohio, and he’s not the only one), has shamelessly placed all of his ads, attack ads and all, on his website.
Mmmmm-Kay?
And just so people can’t accuse me of simply taking shots at the issue and not providing a potential solution (and thereby being part of the problem), I present two possible solutions:
1) Establish a paid citizens’ watchdog committee that could actually penalize candidates financially and electorially for egregious claims against their opponents. Think about it: if we could levy fines on the campaigns and the 527s for extreme slander and libel, we could use the money for education, health care, and other concerns. Further, if we could actually eliminate candidates from races after making unsubstantiated and libelous/slanderous claims against their opponents, we could effectively eliminate the mudslinging and concentrate on the actual issues we face.
Of course, the obvious problem here is redefining libel and slander to include political figures, which, of course, will never happen: the very people with the power to change this are the very same people that benefit from the system as it stands now. Talk about the ultimate Catch-22.
Obviously, therein lies the rub, so:
2) We could make idea #1 more sporting, if you wish, which might actually generate more voter interest: place a referee in the middle of debates, striped shirt and all, who could throw yellow flags or issue red cards when candidates make outrageous claims in debates.
I can see a future Ohio Gubernatorial debate now:
Candidate X: “My opponent voted consistently with the North American Man/Boy Love Association…”
FAWWWWWEEEEEEETTT!!!
(Yellow flag flies toward Candidate X, the weight striking him squarely in the eye and knocking him to the floor; camera switches abruptly to the referee, dressed in black pants, black and white striped shirt complete with a block ‘R’ on the back, and a black cap. Referee raises his arms and strikes his left wrist with his right forearm, followed by a “wiping” gesticulation and a point to candidate.)Referee: “Personal Foul on Candidate X, Illegal Character Smear. $5 million dollar fine; Death Penalty warning issued: one more and candidate will cede the campaign.”
(Camera cuts back to Candidate X nursing a bruised and swollen eye)
Candidate X: “Awww, for the love of Chri…”
FAWWWWWEEEEEEETTT!!!
(Yellow flag flies toward candidate again; camera cuts to referee. Same “striking” gesticulation followed by a pulling motion from mouth and a point to candidate.)Referee: “Personal Foul on Candidate X; Profanity; $1 million dollar fine and loss of 5 minutes debate time.”
(Camera switches back to Candidate X.)
Candidate X: “As I said before, my opponent has employed a child molester…”
FAWWWWWEEEEEEETTT!!!
(Yellow flag flies toward candidate again; camera cuts to referee. Same “striking” gesticulation followed by a pointing gesticulation, this time pointing away from the debate arena.)Referee: “Personal Foul on Candidate X, Illegal Smear. Second violation after warning; Death Penalty issued: candidate has ceded the election; all Candidate X’s funds and Candidate X’s 527 funds are hereby ceded to the Political Cleanliness Committee for educational distribution. This debate has ended.”
Commentator: “And there you have it: Candidate X has talked himself out of the election and Ohio has a new Governor.”
(Camera switches abruptly to show Candidate X knocking Referee down with a vicious shove.)
Commentator: “…and Candidate X has shoved the Referee down to the floor! Here’s the instant replay…”
I’m Will Kessel, and I approved this message.
