Why do people spend so much time looking for bad things on candidates?

Question

No one is perfect...since we are choosing between the better of 2 faulted people (because we are all faulted)...wouldn't it make sense for us to search for the good things the candidates have done vs gossip, rumors, and bad things?

Answer 1

Early on, McCain's campaign went negative.  That was the beginning of things to come.  The Democrats have to fight back on equal terms because negative campaigning, unfortunately, actually works.  Kerry learned that the hard way and while he was explaining issues, the Republicans were swiftboating him.  

Answer 2

that would require a mature approach to political campaigns.  it's much easier to sit back and talk trash about people, sensationalize it through a rabid media, and bury people for their mistakes instead of letting them show you how they've bettered because of them.  it happens on all sides...bad news sells, good news doesn't.  everyone wants to be the one to find the smoking gun....

Answer 3

Actually, it doesn't really take that long.

Answer 4

AMEN!

I'm sick of all the negativity of the election years. Can't we focus on the good and discuss what the best course of action is, rather than degrade our own intelligence and look for 'trivial' evidence against people?

Human nature, I'm afraid.

Answer 5

Obama supporters are scared of Sarah Palin that's why

Answer 6

well, seems that more people are interested in bad things than good things.

that's why negative adds work.

i note that both candidates started out on the high road.

just as obama and clinton did.

what happens is that when it becomes apparent that one or the other is going to lose, then they start the negative adds.

well, except for the likes of the swift boat people.

they just start negative.

i note that they are working this time, but using a different name.

seems that in 2000 they said an awful lot of bad things about McCain, and are hoping no-one will notice, or remember.

Answer 7

Most people can't think of anything good they can say, and support, about their candidate.  Since they want their candidate to win, even if they aren't any good, they look for something to say about the opposing candidate that they can point to and say, "See?  Your candidate is worse than mine!"  I agree it would be better to spend the time looking for good things to say about the candidate we want to win.