I have just gotten through what seems like the 5,000th blog on the mudslinging that has been the hallmark of this election. Of course, political mudslinging is as old as politics itself, the only difference lately is the politicians are using third party shills to do their dirty work for them.
Every election brings with it the same tired promise of campaigning on the issues. And while the candidate may solidly address the issues in their speeches, the ads FOR said candidate are anything but. And the ads are what the majority of Americans actually SEE.
This trend has really caused me to wonder: IS there a moral high ground in politics anymore? Is it possible to win any office higher than city councilperson of Nowhere, Nevada by truly addressing the issues and eliciting intelligent, insightful debate? Or has the American public been so captivated by the tabloidesque mindset that they are truly willing to vote for or against a candidate based on soft money ads, innuendo, and borderline libel?
I guess time will tell.
signing off,
Gideon MacLeish