Negative ads work. Just ask Newt Gingrich.
A month ago after surging in the polls, the former House Speaker presumptuously proclaimed himself the Republican nominee. A few million dollars worth of negative ads later, his campaign is sinking like a stone.
As the Iowa caucus looms, Gingrich's campaign message has become lost in a sea of Newt soundbites denouncing his rivals' use of negative ads. While he roleplays the elder statesman who religiously follows Ronald Reagan's 11th Commandment of not attacking fellow Republicans, the truth is, Gingrich knew going into the campaign that his personal and political life couldn't stand up to scrutiny. Gingrich's noble statesman-like persona is merely a hollow self-preservation tactic.
Gingrich's popularity soared after turning in several good debate performances. As soon as front-runner status was obtained, the spotlight was turned on Newt and numerous issues were illuminated that turned off voters.
Voters need negative ads to help filter through numerous candidates. While it's important to understand what a candidate says during a campaign, it's also imperative to understand what a candidate doesn't say. As long as the information is accurate and not intentionally misleading, political opponents can be a good source of information to help voters evaluate the viability of a candidate.
Gingrich's personal life, his political reputation with his peers, his controversial positions on issues, his infamous temper and ego and his questionable activities in the private sector are all relevant in evaluating whether Newt should be president.
If Gingrich can't handle the scrutiny of the primaries, he has no business being the GOP nominee to run against Barack Obama in the general election.
A month ago after surging in the polls, the former House Speaker presumptuously proclaimed himself the Republican nominee. A few million dollars worth of negative ads later, his campaign is sinking like a stone.
As the Iowa caucus looms, Gingrich's campaign message has become lost in a sea of Newt soundbites denouncing his rivals' use of negative ads. While he roleplays the elder statesman who religiously follows Ronald Reagan's 11th Commandment of not attacking fellow Republicans, the truth is, Gingrich knew going into the campaign that his personal and political life couldn't stand up to scrutiny. Gingrich's noble statesman-like persona is merely a hollow self-preservation tactic.
Gingrich's popularity soared after turning in several good debate performances. As soon as front-runner status was obtained, the spotlight was turned on Newt and numerous issues were illuminated that turned off voters.
Voters need negative ads to help filter through numerous candidates. While it's important to understand what a candidate says during a campaign, it's also imperative to understand what a candidate doesn't say. As long as the information is accurate and not intentionally misleading, political opponents can be a good source of information to help voters evaluate the viability of a candidate.
Gingrich's personal life, his political reputation with his peers, his controversial positions on issues, his infamous temper and ego and his questionable activities in the private sector are all relevant in evaluating whether Newt should be president.
If Gingrich can't handle the scrutiny of the primaries, he has no business being the GOP nominee to run against Barack Obama in the general election.
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