In Defense of Negativity: Attack Ads in Presidential Campaigns

摘要: Americans tend to see negative campaign ads as just that: negative. Pundits, journalists, voters, and scholars frequently complain that such undermine elections even democratic government itself. But John G. Geer here takes the opposite stance, arguing when political candidates attack each other, raising doubts about other's views qualifications, voters - process benefit. "In Defense of Negativity", Geer's study advertising in presidential campaigns from 1960 2004, asserts proliferating are far more likely than positive focus on salient issues, rather politicians' personal characteristics. Accordingly, enrich process, providing with relevant substantial information before they head polls. An important timely contribution American discourse, Negativity" concludes if we want grapple issues address real problems, might be solution.