Negative political adds, what do you think?

Question

Do they really sway you either way or do they make you look down at the person lowering themselves to do such an add? I ask b/c I live in Little Rock, Ar and the race is heating up for Govenor, Mike Beebe and Asa Hutchinson are really going at it. The latest this morning was a campaign full of children speaking down againt Mike Beebe, kinda made Asa look really bad, and he's my choice to win. What is your take in your state?

Another question, how do you know how much truth is behind the negative adds?

Answer 1

Good question! I enjoyed reading the responses as well. I'm glad to hear people are disgusted by the bashing. Unfortunately I think negative campaigns are widespread because they are effective. People remember them, which is the first rule of advertising. 2nd, I think that a lot of people think that whatever they hear on television is absolutely correct and they use television as their primary means of getting information.

Do I choose a candidate based on negative advertising? No. In fact, I automatically try to figure out why they chose that platform and ask myself why aren't they focusing on the issues? Why are they spending X dollars to discredit their opponent? Is it because their opponent is ahead in the polls? Is it because the majority of the voting public responds to these ads?

Answer 2

No. I've lived through too many elections to be swayed by the ads and slate cards and other junk. I just ignore it all, I do my own research, see what the candidate's past beliefs and actions have been. I read the propositions and then read what the supporters/opposers have to say (and I take note who they are). I don't even watch the debates because they can't cover all the things I need to know about a candidate and too much emphasis is put on what the candidate wears or smiles rather than substance. I find all this campaigning stuff a waste of time and money since people will say whatever they have to to get elected (aka, tthey will lie and promise stuff they cannot possibly come through with, especially if they've never held the office before and have no idea what really goes on).

Answer 3

Well, lets see, here in PA we have ex football star Lyn Swan vs current demo. Randell. The adds are getting bad and I am sure soon will be worse...but hey, forgive my sarcasm...

Lets look at it...the current Gov. is spending money from casino's they haven't even begun to build yet and forcing schools to buy into the belief that they will actually get money from them sometime in the next year or two. He promised to lower our property & school taxes hahahahaha and the welfare roll has increased. Not to mention the amazing amount of wasted money going on in Harrisburg on a daily basis! Whoa, and I am a democrate! I moved here from another state almost 7 years ago now and I can honestly say that I can't believe what goes on in this state! And if one more person tells me "thats just the way we have always....." I am going to throw up! People need to get up and make changes...think out of the box and be responsible. The adds get bad because "they" think it is the only way to get our attention. Personally I think they stink and are truly petty. Especially when there really isn't anything to get nasty about. Ahhh the smell of politicians in October...wish they were all wearing masks eh?

I'd like to thow out a way to go to the Allegheny County Commishener Scott Aldraroto (hope I spelled his name right) for balancing the budget 3 years in a row without raising a single tax dollar. WAY TO GO!!

Answer 4

Frankly, I think negative ads during campaigns should be banned but we have free speech in this countrey, so what can we do? These days the political spin machines use negativity that is skewed and not always truthful. Unfortunately, people now seem to be unable to make their own choices based on facts rather than emotional propaganda. The best way to make a decision about a candidate is to do your own research and not rely on partisan motivated propaganda. The fact they used children for their dirty campaign is despicable and makes it all the more clear you should research both candidates and then vote with your heart and mind.

Answer 5

I never vote for a canidate that makes a negative ad attacking another. If a canidate has nothing good to say of themselves. If a canidate did something while in Public Office and while acting on thier duties of that office, that is information, but personal views and slants of actions in the Prvate Sector is just crude.

Answer 6

I don't think those negative Ads work, in my state Minnesota the senate race between incumbent Mark Kennedy(R) and Amy Klobuchar(D) has shown that the Negative Ads used exclusively by Kennedy attacking Klobuchar aren't working she is away ahead in the poles and she will get my vote.
Some people will resort to anything to win, well not in Minneapolis.

Answer 7

I can't stand them!!!
I think a candidate should ONLY speak about themselves -- what they've done and what they PLAN TO DO, where they stand on issues.
Negative ads are NOT the noble choice for any candidate. We are all aware that you can portray just about any fact with an "angle" and present just about any information to your advantage if you choose to.
I wish they would make the righteous choice, and stand up and just say who they are and what they are about. We should be voting on candidates for the merits we know about them, not because we feel afraid or worried about what they said about their opponent.

Answer 8

I'm against them...it seems like in some places it's to the extent that the candidates are not campaigning on anything but how sleazy they think their opponents are. It does nothing to encourage candidates to campaign on positive change platforms and the ultimate losers are the citizens .

Answer 9

I live in Wisconsin, and there is a commercial on here that says the governor made an "illegal" deal with the Native Americans on their casino businesses, which is FALSE. I wonder how in the world they are getting away with it. It turns me off, big time but it does sway my vote... AGAINST the people that use them!

Answer 10

You should be here in Southeast Florida. Talk about negative campaign ads, these people have it down to an art form. It's both sides and it's rediculous.