Smear Tactics

In the editorial "Smear tactics? We've had enough" the author writes about how America is becoming a more "pro-America" place due to politicians not using the smear tactic as they once use to. The author's inteded audience would be the older voters that have been through more elections and understand how this tactic has been used in the past. He uses Michel Backman as one of his examples, when Backman made a comment about making an expose on the people in congress to find out if they are pro-America or anti-America this caused her opponent Tinkleberg gained over a million more dollars in campaign contributions. This example shows how smear tactic backfired, and also that American Citizens are looking for the more positive attitude to be rewarded office instead of the slanderer. Another example are of those who refer to Obama as a Muslim. This is suppose to scare the voters to the republican party instead of encouraging them to vote due to Republicans views and ideals. I agree with what the Author is saying because I would rather see someone win due to their knowledge of their world and not the insults of their opponent. I’m glad to see that America is not longer being persuaded in the direction of the bully, instead they see how the other opponent is not using these dog eat dog tactics to win an election. They also seem to be a credible source using direct quotes and well known people that gives his argument more of an impact.


Austin American Statesman