Smear Tactics: Politicians' Reputations Get Dirty

Mud-slinging, smear campaigns, character attacks - no matter what you call them, these oft-used tactics have been a staple of American politics for years. Used in regards to a political campaign to malign or otherwise damage the credibility of an individual or a group of people, it is and almost always attempted quietly and/or anonymously, so as not to reveal the source of the smear. For example...

In the chaotic circus of South Carolina politics this week, embattled Governor Mark Sanford has been accused of launching his own smear campaign against his own Lieutenant Governor and fellow Republican Andre Bauer, allegedly spreading gossip that Bauer is homosexual. While Sanford and Bauer have never been on the friendliest of playing fields with one another to begin with, political gossip circles claim that the supposed ad hominem against Bauer is retaliation for Bauer's call for Sanford to step down from office. Regardless of whether or not Sanford's camp was responsible for the hatchet job, someone apparently launched and spread the rumor.

In similar news, it was just a few weeks ago that President Obama's science adviser Jon Holdren also allegedly became the victim of a defamation attempt by traditionally conservative media outlets. An article by Climate Progress claimed that Fox News and several other media groups were twisting Holdren's views on energy and climate to paint a picture of him as in favor of mandating population control.

Libel and slander charges and prosecution issues aside, smear campaigns are not reputable methods nor are they good business practices. But they are an unfortunate reality, especially in politics. The person being targeted almost always has to spend time refuting the character assassination attempts and less time on the real issues. Read more about (in)famous smear campaigns here.

Brett Banter