Although Republicans are the undisputed masters of the smear campaign, some Democrats are no better. In the 2010 midterm elections, Democrats followed the polls and fell silent on the issue of climate change. In the process, Democrats abandoned their President and their parties agenda.
To gain political favor Democrats used tactics more commonly associated with Republicans. Democratic candidates for the House resorted to attack ads devoid of an issue oriented message. They dug up Republican candidates’ personal financial records and Democratic candidate Ron Klein put his Republican opponent’s Social Security number in a TV ad.
Democratic candidate Frank Caprio told Obama to “Shove it!” on a radio show, referring to the President’s endorsement. Caprio subsequently failed in his bid for governor of Rhode Island, but this tactic is reminiscent of South Carolina Republican Joe Wilson shouting, “You lie!” during President Obama’s speech to Congress.
Democrats should not look to the Republicans for anything, the right is the wrong direction for America. Rather than engaging the misinformation that passes as fact, Democrats are looking for a strategy to win re-election thereby putting self interest ahead of the national interest.
Democrats need to do a much better job addressing the issues and communicating a party platform that explains the need for action on energy and climate change. Above all Democrats need to stop following Republicans and show America they know the meaning of leadership.
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