Why is everyone so rude towards our candidates.

Question

I support Obama because of his stances. I think McCain is a great politician who simply does not have the policies that are necessary to lead our nation at the moment. But what is wrong with all the people on YA is they make references to the political candidates like it is a personal thing. I simplay say "I don't like McCain's policies" but I never say I don't like McCain.

Answer 1

Oh, I know exactly how you feel! When Hilary was still in the race, I supported her. My best friend supported Obama. When I told her that I supported Hilary, she started saying stuff like "Oh, that b*tch? She looks like a man. I can't stand that w*ore." I got that kind of response from other people, too! I think it's childish and very immature. I never once have said anything about a politician (yes, even our current one) that involved the use of foul language and low-brow jokes. It's tasteless and it certainly doesn't make me like their candidate candidate more.  

Answer 2

Politics have been dirty and sinking to the level of personal attacks almost from the beginning of the country.  The Adams campaign purposefully spread a rumor that Thomas Jefferson had died.  When the truth was reported, that it was, in fact, an old slave from the Jefferson plantation, who had been given his master's name, it served Adams well amongst the abolitionist voters because it highlighted Jefferson's hypocrisy re: all men created equal vs being a slave owner.  Andrew Jackson's wife was slandered in his campaign.  Fistfights were not at all uncommon in the Senate during the presidential campaigns of the early 1800s.  One of the reasons we have an electoral college, instead of a direct democracy, is because the founders feared that, like Athenians 2000 years earlier, masses could easily be swayed by demagogues tossing slander, libels and rumors around.  Most people don't want to bother with substantive issues, and vote based on slogans and soundbites.  Although I used to respect Senator McCain, the respect is slipping as Ads like one the comparing Senator Obama to Britney Spears.  If the candidates can't treat each other with respect, how can you expect anyone else to do so?

Answer 3

The candidates earned such distain with their mud slinging, lies, false promises.  There is no such thing as an honest politician,  they are squeezed out of any notiable position by the dirty, crooked, greedy ones.  You have to have some dirt on someone else to use as extortion to get ahead.  It's awful, but that's how the game is played.

Answer 4

I wish I could answer.  I honestly think that people who can't respect the other canidate, can't really listen to the issues.

I hope people start respecting the other canidate's....

Answer 5

It's not like it's a new thing... Politics have always involved name-calling.  For something that essentially determines the future of our country for the next 4 years, it sure does bring out the immaturity in people.