Negative campaign. Is this a form of free speech or slander? Try these tactics in the work place see how free.

Answer 1

Assuming the claims are accurate, I'd have to lean towards free speech. Slander is the oral communication of false statements for the purpose of doing harm.

Negative campaign ads may not be the most "adult" way of going about the business of politics, but think of the target audience. According to a study by Herrnstein & Murray, 75% of the U.S. population has an IQ of 100 or lower. Most people don't understand complex political positioning, but they do understand snarky comments. "Ooh, I'm not voting for him. That ad said he hates poor people."

Answer 2

I don't like them, and they turn me off of that candidate. But, unless it is an outright lie, it would not be considered slander. They usually tell the truth, but not the full story. They say their opponent wants to raise taxes, but don't tell you it is only for the wealthy. Or that their opponent want to give social security benefits to illegal immigrants, but don't tell you it would after they become citizens, and any taxes paid as illegals would count toward it (but how many illegals pay taxes?).

The link below is a good example of slander. It's the Ramsey County Sheriff's race (in MN), and has been heated since the start.

Answer 3

The problem with so much negative campaigning is that I tend to shut out the candidate's words. All I want to hear from them is what they are going to do if I help elect them. And I don't want to hear empty promises or lies. Todayt's campaigns tend to become such an expensive waste of money; money that could be used much more wisely.

Answer 4

well now, they could fire you for anything in the work place. As far as slander, that has historically been difficult to prove.