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Has Political Messaging Gone Too Far?
“Vote for me…or die,” is the campaign message in California. Too much?
Look, we get it: Politicians need to win elections.
A candidate can have great ideas, impeccable work ethic, strong character, and a stouthearted commitment to public service and community life. They can be a fundraising juggernaut, a top-notch policy expert, and an orator for the ages.
To become an elected official, a politician still needs to win.
The costs of losing a political race equal or exceed the costs of winning one. Who can forget Mike Bloomberg’s ill-advised gambit of the last Democratic primary? To lose a primary, Mike Bloomberg waged one of the most costly campaigns in history, as far as votes gleaned per dollar spent.
Campaigns are also exhausting, not only for the candidate, but for their family, who must endure long hours, media scrutiny, a demanding schedule, public appearances and endless fundraising events.
Politicians have done all sorts of underhanded things to win elections over the decades since…