Political Mud Slinging

[coriolis]

Here is a link to a site that talks about mudslinging:

http://216.132.160.230/lp_goodolddays.htm

An excerpt:

By the middle of the 19th century, deeply personal attacks had become a part of virtually every presidential campaign. Typical allegations centered on a candidate's parentage, morality, sobriety, religious faith, and "true" intentions regarding their prospective presidencies. In 1856, John C. Frémont's slogan was "Free Soil, Free Speech, Free Men, and Frémont." Supporters of James Buchanan, noting Frémont's illegitimate birth, finished the slogan with the phrase, "and Free Love."

[mf_dolphin]

Where do I vote for Fremont??? I missed the 60's LOL

[Stephanie]

"Good Old Days" huh Ed? GEEZ!

Thanks for posting that link. Some of those campaigns were pretty ugly too!

[coriolis]

Just think, now are the "good old days" for someone in the future.

Hmm. time for a new signature.....

[azskyman]

It's all about positioning oneself in a campaign. The mudslinging is already old, but it is part of the process. Hang out all the dirty laundry and see which sheets are still there after the windstorm.

Then, if the mud doesn't ruin your chances, you get back to the business of voting records and political posturing. Who voted for what, when, why or why not.

Somewhere late in the game, you have candidates sheepishly come forward and actually say what they stand for. Don't want to do that too early because you become vulnerable to cannonballs from the opposition. And you don't want to say it too loud for the possibility that something will happen which will require you to rethink.

Toward the end of this campaign, I'd not be surprised to see Kerry win the nomination followed by Bush on the offensive with a Cheney announcement late in the season that his health cannot take the stress any more and Rudy Guliani coming forth as the Republican VP candidate. Rudy is popular still, can talk to the people in ways that the President can't, and flies directly in the face of the Clinton legacy.

Then, standing opposed to Bush/Guliani would seem something akin to being disrespectful to those who lost their lives at the World Trade Towers.

In a sense that is mudslinging at both its highest and lowest form at the very same time.

It will be an interesting ride along the way with mud hitting everyone in splotches and globs.

Might even be stains on another dress before it is over!

[wx247]

Very good analysis Azskyman.

I could have done without the stain though.

[Stephanie]

Might even be stains on another dress before it is over!

Like Garrett said, great analysis!

[Aslkahuna]

then a Bachelor was the Democratic Nominee for President in the 1880's sometime. During the Campaign, a "Lady of the Night" (what we would now call a Hooker-or in the 'hood a 'ho) claimed that Cleveland was the Father of her illegitimate child-a major peccadillo in those days. The Republicans went on the offensive and the Democrats in shock went to Cleveland to ask for an explanation. In a rare departure, especially considering BC's campaign denials, Cleveland told his people to tell the truth and he openly adimitted that he had been with the woman in question and that he was supporting the child even though the paternity was in question. For the rest of the Campaign, the Republic slogan was "Ma-ma where's my Pa" to which the Demos replied "Gone to the White House ha-ha-ha". Cleveland won and went down in history as the only President to serve two non consecutive terms and was the first (and I believe only) sitting President to get married in the White House. The first election between J.Q. Adams and Jackson was especially nasty after it was learned that Jackson and his new wife had inadvertantly gotten married before Jackson's first marriage was legally terminated and that sent the hounds of hell against Jackson and his wife. The constant attacks against her led to her dying not long after Jackson was elected in the second showdown against Adams and he spent the remainder of his Presidency haboring a hatred of his political foes.

Steve

[azskyman]

Wish I had the context of history that you do, Steve. It brings "today" so much more alive...and adds so much substance to our perception of the race this year.

Won't it be interesting over time when the first woman President comes into power. I can only imagine the stories that will fly across the news services then.

Will there then be a "first gentleman" in the White House at the right hand of Maddam President?

[Stephanie]

Thanks Aslkahuna for the history lesson - I did read it in AZskyman's link.

Steve (AZskyman) - I'll bet thta when the first female President comes along, the accusations along with the fur, will be flying! I may be even uglier than what we've seen in our past history.