Senators John McCain and Barack Obama only need 30 seconds to make themselves completely contemptible. 30 seconds is the average length of campaign advertisement videos: just enough time to sully the truth, de-contextualize the opponent's words and manipulate voter sentiment.
Campaign videos from both camps are increasingly laden with factual inaccuracies and mudslinging. McCain's "Education" video states that Obama supports sex education for five-year-olds and declares the Illinois senator "wrong for your family."
Obama's camp counters with "Naked Lies," accusing McCain and GOP vice presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin of rampant dishonesty. However malicious these charges maybe, Palin has yet to fully clarify her stance on the bridge to nowhere...
Aside from embarrassing themselves in front of the free world, McCain and Obama's mudslinging antics have the potential to seriously deter and manipulate young voters.
The tasteless McCain-Obama video volley sets a horrible example for young, first-time voters. Neither candidate displays the diplomacy necessary to be a world leader, nor do the acidic accusations set a good tone for the future presidency. May the marginally better man win.
Blatantly lying to one's constituency is rarely smiled upon in the realm of decent politics. As lies are exposed, young voters may lose faith in their preferred candidate.
Dirty campaigning distracts voters from real election issues and divides them into factions of the gossipmongers. The magnetic emotionality displayed in campaign ads is especially compelling to young people who can be manipulated by the galvanizing rhetoric.
Taking the focus off the political issues and redirecting it onto the politicians endangers the election. Come November, may cast their ballots based on who's the less offensive liar.
In light of the campaign video wars, how can young voters be expected to make a "good" decision when both of the candidates have been so bad?
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2 comments:
This should fulfill the opinion requirement. There are 300 words, 4 videos and one hyperlink.
I found it upsetting that Obama said he wouldn't release such commercials and they still end up TV, yet I feel that neither McCain or Obama have much say in this part of the campaign. But I would urge young voters to simply change the channel when these types of commercials come on so they don't get manipulated or second-guess their decisions.
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