The smear campaigns during the South Carolina GOP primaries far exceeded expectations. For weeks political analysts anticipated that SC is where things would become heated, but the childlike rhetoric spouted by the candidates was mind boggling. Millions of dollars were spent on ad’s to tear down any credibility between oppositions. Whether it was questions about the tax returns and off shore accounts of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney or the personal life of ex-Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, the GOP candidates utilized anything possible to attack each other. And no other candidate was or is wearing a bigger target than Texas Representative Ron Paul. However, attacks on Paul’s ideals, character and demeanor are not only coming from his opponents, but from the main stream media as well.
Log onto the Internet and you will see headlines with Ron Paul as the subject and use of descriptive words like “crazy” or “fantasy”. Many of which also questioning his validity and intentions. However, upon reading the editorial, the content does not ratify what the the headline states yet alone insinuates; barely staying outside the lines of deception, and is definitely misleading. Journalist of editorials like this are aware of the slight and the damage caused is intentional. They know how busy most people are, most likely scanning through headlines and not actually reading the article which allows this persuasion tactic to be very effective. Paul and his campaign are not the only victims of this of course, the internet is packed full of exaggerated information. But with an issue as important as the presidential nominees, being able to rely on accurate dialectic becomes more important than ever.
I’m not going to delve into the arguments for or against Paul, or any other candidate for that matter. Not at the moment at least. But as this election year rolls on and with the influence’s of Super Pac’s and special interest groups dictating the media. No matter who you decide to support, do yourself a favor and take the time to learn about them and other possibilities for yourself, then decide. Become an involved and informed voter. The people behind these tactics don’t believe that you have the initiative to. Prove them wrong.