Positive Political Ads ARE Still Effective

There's a glaring trend in Washington. This is that most politicians have jumped on the negative advertisement bandwagon. Especially with less than 3 days until the Nov.2 election, televisions across the country are being bombarded with numerous negative political ads. Many of them are plainly gruesome, and then; there are those that are strange and gruesome. One of my favorites in this category is the one put out by Illinois Senator Bill Brady's opponent for governor. The ad accuses the candidate of dog murdering; the script reads:

"Senator Bill Brady's first priority was to sponsor a bill that would mass euthanize sheltered dogs and cats in gas chambers.

Shame on Bill Brady...That's sick and wrong."

Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nvBtioirsg&feature=player_embedded

Like this ad, most negative ads are a distorted version of a different story. It's easy to manipulate something into fitting a certain agenda, even if the product is a lie. And as politicians, striving for what is easy should not be a way to win campaigns. Not now, not at this time when Americans need them to work as hard as ever to make things right. The public would have a greater respect and interest in hearing how their problems are going to be solved rather than the personal problems of each candidates . This is why I praise Georgia Lt. Governor Casey Cagle for his "Children" ad. The script reads:

"This is our future.  Whether she's your grandchild, your child, or the precious little one you hope to have.  Children are our priority.  That's why we refused to balance the budget on the backs of our children.  Protected educational funding critical to personal learning pathways.  Promoted flexibility for parents and teachers in schools.  And launched innovative ideas that recognize one size does not fit all.  Because Georgia's future depends on the success of every child."

Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgjM5FnCoT8

Not once did he mention the name of his opponent. Instead of irrelevantly attacking his opponent, he paints a vision that we hope will come true. It summons emotions in the audience that will encourage action, and make them come to the polls this coming election day.