I just had a Republican campaigner call me asking me to support a local Republican candidate. I don’t envy her job on this eve of the most important election since… well, in a very long time. While the candidate in question might be perfectly qualified for the job he’s seeking, I’m not likely to vote for him because of the campaign the other Republicans in the race have run. Yes, I’ve voted for Republicans before and there are some good ones in the race this time but I’ll have to think long and hard about supporting anyone from any party that runs a shameful campaign.
When will folks understand that when they slander their opponent they discredit themselves. This is a tenant that anyone in business will hammer into their sales people from day one. Cutting down your opponent does not make you or your cause any taller.
The trouble with throwing mud is a lot sticks to the thrower. Sure, it’s just as deceitful to have one of your minions do the throwing and it takes a lot of very strong words and deeds to undo the damage caused by lies, half-lies or simple misrepresentation of the truth. Sure, this kind of smear might influence the ignorant masses or make your supporters give more money to sling more mud, but in my mind it discredits you, your party, your race, your ethnicity, your gender, your cause and most importantly, your country. And it won’t win my vote.
