Good day, and thank you for subscribing to this newsletter! I returned home from a business trip to a note from a concerned participant asking why campaigns are so negative. This question is crucial, as it reflects the sentiments of many of our fellow Americans. They wondered how politicians allot so much money to spread hateful messages on television. This faithful reader would prefer only to see candidates tell viewers how they plan to work for America and the Constitution. Here is how I answered this fellow American:
Campaigns Are Strategic
“Great question! Most of us would like to hear the candidates’ policy stance and proposals, just like you would. However, politics is a game of strategy. It’s why you hear the negative commercials. Perception is reality to many people. They see or hear something and believe it to be true without the hard work of examining the claims. That is why the strategy in part is to use negative claims. It’s also the reason we only discuss civics principles here (at facebook.com/commonsensecivics), not personalities. I want my students to search for the truth of a candidate’s record, not blindly accept media hearsay or spin.”
Campaigns Are Negative for a Reason
None of us (including me) likes the constant barrage of commercials, mail, texts, and social media posts about candidates and their campaigns. Yet, these avenues provide some Americans with the only information they receive about politicians’ platforms. This is how they get attention to their message. Do I wish their message was delivered without recrimination? Sure! However, most people respond to negativity. It’s an effective strategy, and most people enjoy the uncivil discourse- except you, me, and a few others.
Take heart! It’s campaign season!
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship 🇺🇸
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