jj (10/22/82)
Every bit of the political advertising that I have seen for this election is of the ad hominum variety. In fact, most of it is in the form of such poorly designed works of sophistry that I have decided to not vote for the candidate that it touts, regardless of position (especially since I usually can't define the position...). I have noticed that here the Democrats seem to be deliberately trying to create a state of hysteria, which has me pissed to no end, especially since they could be making sensible attacks on the Reagan administration. There have also been a significant number of deliberate distortions of other candidate's actions, with resulting commercials from the opponent stating the distortion, and then commercials from the original blackard saying "Sure! That's what SHE wants everybody to believe." I must admit that I am entire disgusted with the tactics of both parties, and I may write myself in for some positions, given that I can't stand either candidate. <At least I won't get it-I don't want it either, but I can't stand to vote for the less moronic, or less dishonest. It's just self defeating.>
greg (10/25/82)
I agree with WildBill -- I live in Southern California and have yet to hear a political ad that was FOR a candidate instead of AGAINST the opponent. I'm glad to know it's not just me that's irked by this. Curiously, most of the ads that give reasons that ostensibly are supposed to make me vote against some individual make me want to vote for them instead -- but that may be because I'm iconoclastic. The same thing is occuring to some extent with the ballot propositions as well -- very few of them are conducting a campaign on their own merits but are attacking the opposition. Maybe none of them have any merits? I would like to know if this is widespread, too. I like to think that political campaigners have more morals than is being exibited here in California......
sher (11/01/82)
Just so as to indicate that there is some hope I have been receiving campaign literature from two candidates. I do not know who they are running against since whoever they are they have not deigned to send me anything. The literature solely concerns the legislative records of the candidates and the fact that they listen. Of course I may be exceedingly lucky and there certainly has been a lot of mud slinging in the state-wide campaigns for govenor senator and whatnot here but in the small local elections different rules seem to apply. However I live in Rochester NY. -David Sher Ps: This may not reflect the experience of my fellow graduate students here.