Reply #8: And the other part of it is... [View All]

[bobweaver]

Republicans have also mastered the art of the smear campaign, and Democrats seem to be unwilling to conduct smear campaigns. These operations are dirty and unethical and Democrats may feel that it is wrong to use them, but look at the result - Republicans win when they conduct smear campaigns. Just ask Thomas Eagleton. Ask Michael Dukakis. Ask Rose Bird. Ask Gray Davis. Ask John Kerry - he is the latest victim. The Republicans effectively used a 527 group to smear the image of Kerry (Swift Boat Veterans for Truth). Even though this did not bring Kerry down completely, it did mar his image, and I believe image is crucial to winning elections. They also locked in on the "flip-flopper" label and hammered that in over and over again. This also had an effect on Kerry's image. Democrats have not effectively used negative campaigning and smear campaigning, and look at the result - Republicans hold the White House, both houses of Congress and the Supreme Court. Democrats have to accept that negative campaigning and smear tactics are now a part of political life and learn that game, if they hope to start winning again. Republicans are certainly not going to stop using smear tactics and negative campaigning. It's too bad that negativity and smear are part of political life nowadays. But the Democrats have a choice - either admit what the game is now, and play the game, or lose.