It begins again. Each election season the public hears promises, "I will not go negative." This candidate or that will state, "Attack advertisements are unacceptable." A husband or wife will reassure the people; "Certainly, my spouse will not engage in such shameful exchanges." Yet, no matter how honorable a Presidential hopeful may seem, commercials they approve can be arguably ignominious.
Some might describe political advertisements as disgraceful, disreputable, discreditable, or just dreadful. Certainly, well-crafted candidate infomercials may be more hype than helpful. Rancorous rumors about a rival are meant to pass for truth in propaganda pieces. In a sixty-second sound bite, during a spirited campaign, vengeful voices can expertly spew vile so sweetly. When a candidate is intent on victory venom flows freely. As evidence, we might ponder this musing.
Well, that certainly didn't take long. On July 3, news reports said Senator John McCain, worried that he might lose the election before it truly started . . . Less than a month later, the results are on full display. The candidate who started out talking about high-minded, civil debate has wholeheartedly adopted . . . low-minded and [an] uncivil playbook.
In recent weeks, Mr. McCain has been waving the flag of fear (Senator Barack Obama wants to "lose" in Iraq), and issuing attacks that are sophomoric (suggesting that Mr. Obama is a socialist) and false (the presumptive Democratic nominee turned his back on wounded soldiers).
Mr. McCain used to pride himself on being above this ugly brand of politics, which killed his own 2000 presidential bid. But he clearly tossed his inhibitions aside earlier this month . . .
Reticence is frequently relinquished when much is at stake. Perhaps, when the prize is as preeminent as the Presidency, a person once thought of as admirable can turn ugly. Too frequently, when someone feels threatened, when a win seems less than certain, aggressive slurs are common. They often come from one thought to be innocent and decent, and when they do, those of us who hear the antagonistic words must decide. What will we advocate for or accept?
This year Americans might ask themselves, must we endure another series of slights. Perchance, it is time to take a stand before the momentum builds. Currently, a petition offers the possibility of hope. We, the people can express our desire to end the avalanche of assault advertisements that now fill the air. If we express our discontent, we might be able to eliminate further folly. Let us address our concerns to the campaign that now stands by statements that are discredited by reputable sources. Please consider the words of Network News Correspondent Andrea Mitchell.
(T)he McCain commercial on this subject [Obama's visit with troops hospitalized at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center during his European Trip] with the troops is completely wrong! Factually, wrong.
Perchance, we might ponder the words of a close friend and confidant of candidate McCain before we plunge into the world of petitions that plead for civility. Shocked by the smears and jeers the esteemed Mister Weaver reacts aloud.
John Weaver, for years one of John McCain's closest friends and confidants, has been in exile since his resignation from McCain's presidential campaign last year. With the exception of an occasional interview, he has, by his own account, bit his tongue as McCain's campaign has adopted a strategy that Weaver believes "diminishes John McCain."
With the release today of a McCain television ad blasting Obama for celebrity preening while gas prices rise, and a memo that accuses Obama of putting his own aggrandizement before the country, Weaver said he's had "enough."
The ad's premise, he said, is "childish."
"John's been a celebrity ever since he was shot down," Weaver said. "Whatever that means."
Review and reflect upon the resources. Then decide what you think wise to do. Do we sit on our rumps as one dishonest commercial after another circulates through cyberspace and other circuitry, or do we the people state our preference now. We can cast a ballot that counts before Election Day. Please sign the appeal. Let us vote for principled campaigns. Tell the candidates it is time to bring integrity to an expectant electorate.
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