Why is the U.S. presidential campaign generating so many vitriolic comments from both sides?
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42 Comments
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KitsuneYoukai
Sorry to say but from an American's point of view the Democrats are spouting far more hateful stabs at the RNC, but this has always been. They are very liberal and much of the entertainment world is part of the DNC so it is not wonder that there is little diplomatic talk and more whining and inappropriate attacks which has always been. The RNC this time has played it quite cool only pointing out the racial associations the DNC candidate has and his qualifications to be president. Now with the vice president candidate for the RNC being announced the DNC feel there is hypocracy here as far as her qualifications and attacking her family but the difference here is that she is going into a position of vice president, basically president in training and Obama is going into the actual president position, no training. Very different circumstances here. Also, when Obama's wife was attacked it was legitiment since she made unAmerican comments and should have know it would be played for the nation, this is not the case for Palin. I used to be a Democrat until I got tired of their tactics. I found I did not want to be part of a party that acted in such ways and actors/actresses that align themselves with the DNC make me sick. They are elite people who think that they know exactly what the nation needs yet they are not part of the middle class and have no clue what really happens when laws are passed to tax, they barely get hurt where as the middle class get's hit the most. That is only one thing. This is the worst Congress to date and it is majority DNC, nothing much has been accomplished. I would say the DNC wants the presidency so bad due to them losing it the past 2 elections that they are doing whatever it takes to win it and they have the majority of the media on their side so it makes it easier for them.
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SpaceNeko
From another American's point of view... I think the Paris Hilton/Brittany Spears ad is perhaps the most hollow attempt at slander in the campaign so far. Rick and Kathy Hilton, certainly rich celebrities themselves, if not just parents of one, gave to the McCain campaign AND subsequently scolded McCain by adding his ad was a frivolous way to choose a president. (While McCain responded that he was just having fun, I find that unfortunate given the grave situation our economy is in, the endless war in Iraq, healthcare increasingly out of reach for the average American, and the heavily tarnished world view of America.) As far as actors aligning themselves with the Democrats, what of an actor becoming president himself? Remember Regan? Also, McCain is certainly not part of the middle class as he owns 8 houses (and that's news to him) with a wife who has an annual income estimated at $6,000,000. Worse congress to date? All I have to type is "Bush" is response to that! I find it mind boggling that the myth of a liberal media has been so successfully perpetuated by the right. Where were they when Bush marched ever closer to invading Iraq? Where was the scrutiny and the questioning that might have helped dismantle the fabricated scenarios now called "faulty intelligence" leading up to the war? Where was the liberal media when every media outlet lined up behind Fox News (again I say, liberal media?) to prematurely announce Bush as the winner over Gore? And finally, Obama has not attacked her family, but rather defended the idea that family should be explicitly free from attack, especially with regard to children. It's not his fault she has 20 months of experience as a governor in a state with a rather small population. So yes, it's no secret that I'm for one candidate and you are for another, but it's a shame no one can seem to run anymore on honest issues. Character assassination and the like have gotten out of hand to say the least and campaigns seem more immature as time goes on. The favorite effective tactis seems to effect opinions by the repetition of one-liners (bumper sticker mentality), whether any truth is involved or not.
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buttamimi
John McCain has just hired a GOP operative, Jake Tapper, who helped smear him in South Carolina in 2000. OMG! The only reason McCain chose Palin was to get the Hilliary and evangelical vote. He also has onboard the Democrat turncoat Joe Leiberman. I think John McCain has set the sleeze standard for this campaign. Oh, yes. He doesn't even know how many houses he and his millionaire wife (who once had a prescription drug addictin) has. McCain has dragged this campaing into the mud.
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LFRAgain
EVERY US presidential campaign generates vitriol from both sides. It's the nature of people and politics.
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leitmotiv
He may be gone, but his words are still 100% relevant here:
"...I'll show you politics in America. Here it is, right here: 'I think the puppet on the right shares my beliefs.' ...... 'I think the puppet on the left is more to my liking.' ..... 'Hey, wait a minute, there's one guy holding out both puppets!'"
-Bill Hicks
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smartacus
I don't see why there has to be so much mud-slinging. Why can't candidates just outline their own policies without attacking their opposition? Even more appalling is the vitriol that comes from their supporters, as evidenced by contributors to sites like this and countless blogs.
What's worse is that readers who attack the other side do so from a position based solely on what they read and hear in the media. It's frightening to think how much our opinions are shaped by the media. Of all the people attacking Sarah Palin, for example, how many actually know her? How many know Barack Obama? I, for example, knew nothing of Palin until John McCain nominated her. Yet I have not posted one message either against or for her on any political thread on Japan Today.
My advice to bloggers is to give each candidate the benefit of the doubt. Listen to their speeches and then make up your mind on election day. Forget the pundits, columnists and analysts.
And if your candidate doesn't win on Nov 4, then give the electee a chance and hope for the best.
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nisegaijin
Because both candidates are absolute morons. One is a flip flopping socialist, another is a lunatic warmonger. Go figure. America's last hope was Ron Paul.
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yabits
American politics has always been a contest between the imperfect and the downright evil. And for the last 75 years, the Democrats have been simply imperfect.
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Badsey
there is big money riding on this and since Hilliary dropped out many are angry at wasting their money on her (and Bill)
I like Obama's Internet funding however = wasn't that McCain's idea (no corporate lobby-ests?, no big money in politics?)
I seems to me Obama has more original ideas and the rest are always a few days behind. The whole "change" idea really thru Hillary.
Neither Obama or McCain should have been in this race = people are upset and the big players don't know where to put their money. Who does China throw money at now -certainly not Obama?
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DenshaDeGO
Right on.
Politicians are all lying criminals.
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GW
why so much vitriol, simple, its the american way!
0
Altria
It's a big deal - we have to decide whether we want our country governed by tofu-munching, latte-sipping prius-driving Canadian liberals or bible-thumpin', gun-totin', cousin-marryin' rednecks.
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Noripinhead
Because history has shown over and over again than negative campaigning works. Karl Rove is the master. You go on the offensive and raise as much doubt as the other person as possible. Come on. What kind of question is this? What U.S. presidential campaign in history hasn't generated a lot of vitriolic comments from both sides? Did you expect a tea party?
0
Nessie
The Republicans are sniping in desperation because their candidate isn't popular among Republicans themselves and they see their stranglehold on power fading.
The Democrats are sniping in retribution for stolen elections, and after eight years of being the butt of Rovian swill, they've finally woken up and smelled the kohi.
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mar4eO
Because in America democracy is still alive.
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gonemad
You are right, somehow... But I do think the problem is worse in the US than other countries. It's probably because voters in the US are more concerned about the "moral" integrity of the candidates than their policies. That makes negative campaigning a lot easier.
Is the result better or worse than other countries? It's neither, I think. But more entertaining... Which is why the media are so "supportive".
0
isthistheend
Because they are getting ready to deal with the next PM from Japan
0
Xennon
Because the US has so damn much media coverage all over the world that there is not a person shy of perhaps a small nuclear family in Papua New Guinea that doesn't know about it.
The set up: There are two very different sides that may soon control the government that some/many/most/all people on this small planet believe is the most powerful force on the earth.
The media... Yes, you too JT, gives this type of election crap an article or two per day for us posters to squabble over.
Many people choose a side or are inexorably pulled into it by those rowdy, loud mouthed Americans.
No matter the side you are thinking "My gods how can anybody be that thick/stupid/moronic"? So in turn they semi-ally or fully ally with the other side.
JT sees its opportunity to get more visitors to its site and adsense revenue that they post this question.
Is that about right?
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ca1ic0cat
I think all the vitriol has more to do with a lack of respect for different opinions and a lack of intellegence in general. It's much easier to denegrate a person than debate an idea.
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motytrah
People get so polarized about "their" team winning that they ignore the plain facts. Ultra Conservatives are betting so much on Palin as VP that they will ignore the experience question, or deflect it with a non-Sequitur. Obama supporters have had their heads in the sand about the fact that until very recently he hasn't had a lot of detailed policy backing up his talking points.
More so, the RNC tactic of painting the DNC as anti-american has created tension that I think is going to really boil over this year.
0
DanManjt
Vitriolic comments?
Puh-lease.
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nimbus
Because there are a lot of idots on both sides.
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sehusky
Democracy is alive and well in the US, however the presidential voting system needs a makeover. The popular vote does not win the presidency, but the "stupid" electoral college is what decides is. So if there are a bunch good old boys at the helm putting forth their vote within the electoral college, then more than likely McCain wins.
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sehusky
Can't wait for the Palin - Biden debate - wow...fireworks are bound to fly during that one.
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usaexpat
Because that's American politics post culture war. The Republicans started this and drove it to a fine point with Rove. The democrats followed suit and now all either party can do is sling mud.
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buttamimi
I think John McCain's wife made an important fashion and political statement when she appeared on the Republican stage the other night. Cindy McCain's on stage wardrobe: Oscar de la Renta dress: $3,000 Chanel J12 White Ceramic Watch: $4,500 Three-carat diamond earrings: $280,000 Four-strand pearl necklace: $11,000–$25,000 Shoes, designer unknown: $600 Total: Between $299,100 and $313,100. WOW!
0
LIBERTAS
Why so vitriolic? Simple. Politics is one filthy business.
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tkoind2
A lot is at stake this time. And that puts people on edge.
I'm not a Democrat or a Republican. My politics are my own independent collection of beliefs. But I have very strong opinions about what our country needs and which of the realistic contenders have a chance at delivering some of those things. And that means getting into debates and talking with people to try to show them what I hope is good information and to help make sure that the wrong people don't end up in office.
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cracaphat
Why is it like it is ? It's the unspoken fact Obama is NOT white,though he's half white. There are a lot of white Americans here and in the states who wouldn't want Obama under any condition. The people defending Palin so fiercely over her daughter would be saying a lot of nasty epithets if it were Obama's daughter,including the closets on here. There's no denying that,though some would try.
0
Sarge
"vitriolic"
Who the heck says that?
"Obama is not white, though he's half white."
Amazing, isn't it! Well, he looks more black than white, so he's "black." Black enough, apparently, to get 90% support from blacks.
But enough about race. Let's talk about gender. Obama blew it when he snubbed Hillary, the woman who half the Democrats wanted as their nominee! Meanwhile McGenius picked a superb woman to be his veep!
Moderator: Please refer to candidates by their correct names.
0
TheNewZen
As an european I find the whole he is half-black, half-white, half-hispanic, etc side-splitting.
If you classify him as anything other than an american you are showing racist tendencies and biases, IMO. Heck, in the US no immigrant can run for presidency, how will that work out when you got more immigrants than naturally born US citizens? I foresee a situation like south africa where only members of a minority group(need to be born in the states) can run for presidency.
Anyhuh back to diversity. Why do I say that most european family trees go wildly across the nations, etc. same counts for many asians, etc
My nationality is austrian & identity, yet my mother was born in germany(grew up in austria) and my father is hungary descent(both were born during the end of WWII and lived the 10yr occupation of austria) as you go down the line it gets funnier my grandfather was french his wife was german. Other side of the family we go into the austro-hungarian empire, never mind that I got a swedish uncle and a jewish aunt, etc. My sister married a spanish guy.
My Wife is japanese and my son(austrian citizen) has also japanese citizenship. We are mixed bunch but we are ONE family.
Those whole US election is a hoot as people tend to focus more on personal details, etc than the candidates policies and what they can really produce.
Just look at the recent VP affair, in europe no-one would care about it nor would they care about the religion of a candidate.
Yeah we get slammed as leftist, liberals, whatever by the US posters but we don't have the drama and arguments you guys have before an election.
Heck in my country the leading party and president can come from different parties. Why because we got separate elections and it works for us.
Over and out.
0
TheNewZen
Forgot:
Example: We voted in heavy right-wing leader, 2yrs later we kicked him out as he did nothing good for us. His ideas sounded good we gave him a try/chance but didn't pan out so he was a goner.
That for me is true democracy, when the populace can evict a poor leader. No need to wait for the next election if he don't perform he is gone.
Just my view.
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cracaphat
Well,his mother is white,duh!So despite your pigeon holing,he is half white. And mentioning getting 90 percent of the black vote ? That's not gonna get him elected.Only non biased fair and balancedwill....
I was told today that this is the "Era of the Depression."
That was in reference to hard working people on the verge
of a mental breakdown.
But when a 72 year old who meets a woman for the first time
and offers her the VP slot after a couple hours without
checking up on any potential dirt thoroughly ?
Tells us that if elected,it's going to be a third Bush term
and a probable depression throughout the world.Economic wise.
0
cracaphat
is not
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Nessie
Apparently not white enough, anyway.
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cracaphat
What genius ? The value of the word has been watered down. If he were all THAT,he wouldn't have lost the nomination to Bush 8 years ago.Bush dodged serving like Clinton. And choosing Palin ? Let history or the Nat. Enq.expose that joke. But stay in denial a la WMD.
0
ColAmerica
As a staunch Republican, i must say the comments and bickering are becoming tiresome, and diverting us from the real issues.
Lets get back to policies, not name calling.
I am referring to Republicans and Democrats, both are acting as badly as each other at the moment.
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kjunluc2
I, personally, would rather see a Gomer/Goober ticket than what we have; republican and democrat. Regardless of which wins we are in for 3 more years of crap.
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ca1ic0cat
uh, that would be four more years...
what I find so amusing about some of the diatribe on this thread is that the topic is supposed to by "why is there so much vitriol." Instead of discussing that point a lot of posters are just spewing more vitriol.
So instead of debate of the issues....more politics as usual.
0
buttamimi
I agree. There is too much vitriol going on, but what do you expect when you have a millionaire geriatric and his pig with lipstick wanting make the White House part of McCains property portfolio. Perhaps McCain is looking at the White House as his retirement home.
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kjunluc2
3 years was a typo. I was feeling so vitriolic that I neglected to notice.
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