Do We Really Need Mudslinging in Political Advertising?

Like it or not we are in the middle of a national and local political campaign season. And frankly, I’m tired of it already. With it comes a constant barrage of political advertising on TV, radio, newspapers and social media. It’s bad enough that we, as viewers, listeners and readers have to wade through all of the political rhetoric but unfortunately the political mudslinging that goes with it.  Why is it a candidate can’t say what they stand for and what they have accomplished without taking a shot at their opponent?  It used to be they would fling “mud” at their opponent.  Now, it’s verbal bullets and missiles. Even those are unnecessary, but what is really totally unnecessary are the personal shots that have nothing to do with the political position being sought.  I want you to tell me why I should vote for you not why I shouldn't vote for the opponent.

Like my mother used to say, “If you don’t have anything good to say about someone, then don’t say anything at all”.  Well, as a politician, tell me something good like why you are running for office.  If you can’t do that in your political ad, then save us all the useless rhetoric and don’t run at all.