Problem
Political smear campaigns
Other Names:
Negative election campaigningPolitical vilification
Dirty tricks politics
Filthy campaigning
Political mudslinging
Nature:
Because voters do not study the detail of policies, but go for the general impressions, it is important for political parties to build a picture of unity and affinity with popular prejudices. There is no place for civilized debate when weaknesses of political rivals are exploited.
Incidence:
Political mudslinging was self-destructive for one USA senator's campaign in 1990. Senator Boschwitz of Minnesota, in an effort to reduce newcomer Paul Wellstone's credibility, attacked Wellstone's religious convictions and ability to manage governmental budgets. Wellstone, rejecting reverse attacks on Boschwitz's dirty campaigning, maintained his campaign with truth, humour and dedication to governmental issues. Boschwitz's 9 point lead in the polls evaporated in the last few days of the race, and Paul Wellstone was elected.
Broader Problems:
Smear campaignsUnethical practices in politicsPromotion of negative images of opponents Narrower Problems:
Covert smear campaigns by government Aggravates:
Unfair electionsDiscriminatory use of languageImpoverishment of political debateAvoidance of issues in political campaigns Strategies:
Enabling fair electionsProsecuting dirty tricks politicsUndermining oppositionUndermining oppositionUndermining oppositionUndermining oppositionReducing vilification by governmentInvestigating dirty tricks politicsUsing dirty tricks politicsCampaigning for electionsCampaigning for elections Values:
DirtinessFilthNegativityVileness Subject(s):
Government → Political??Government → Politics??
Societal Problems → Hygiene??
Societal Problems → Maltreatment??
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
D: Detailed problems Date of last update
03.06.2019 – 23:41 CEST