CNN: Voters' debate reaction shows resistance to negativity

[jefferson_dem]

Voters' debate reaction shows resistance to negativity
By Ashley Broughton

(CNN) -- A moving graph at the bottom of the CNN screen during Tuesday night's presidential debate measured the reactions of uncommitted voters in the swing state of Ohio, and it seemed to bear out the theory that negative campaigning draws negative voter reactions.

Nearly every time one candidate threw a jab at the other, the voter reaction dipped measurably.

The dips were minor for small digs but slipped further if a candidate continued criticizing his opponent.

For instance, reactions of both men and women voters slid into negative territory when Republican Sen. John McCain said that trying to nail down Democratic Sen. Barack Obama's tax policies is like "nailing Jell-O to the wall."VideoWatch the criticism and the reaction »

Similarly, the reaction line took a dive when Obama discussed McCain's votes in the Senate against alternative fuels. VideoWatch the graph go down at this point »

Such negative reactions are typically seen in voters who are undecided, said Merle Black, professor of politics and government at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

"They don't like negative campaigning," he said. "It doesn't matter whether it's one side or the other."

But while each candidate saw dips when criticizing his opponent, voters' reactions were more positive when each began talking about specific plans and ideas regarding the national economy, the war in Iraq, the environment and other issues.

Voters are "worried about real issues," Black said. "They want the candidate to address that. ... That's what the voters are interested in. They know it's a big mess out there, and they want to know what the alternatives are." PhotoSee scenes from the debate »

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http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/08/debate.reaction.tracker/index.html

[wanpete]

1. ruh, roh, what does McSame have left but negativity?

[gravity]

2. I've noticed that bar went up the most when Obama related to people's concerns of the economy

I think Obama should stay more positive about his own plan instead of contrasting himself to McCain in the next debate.

[FrenchieCat]

3. But the media keep telling us it works......

I've heard that adnauseum on the TeeVee! :shrug:

[Forkboy]

4. I noticed it in the first debate, which is why I'm glad McCain took this route.

:evilgrin: