I think political mudslinging is a ritual display that has nothing to do with the characters of those who indulge in it. Nor does it necessarily have anything to do with the characters of those defamed by it; a lot of claims made during elections have turned out to be groundless, after the dust settled.
For perspective...have others tried being active spectators during a state legislative session, especially when a bill generates controversy? Close e-friends and even political allies get into the "*I* wouldn't vote for *your* official for *dog*catcher" and "What about *your* official" and so on. E-mail services overheat and misfile legitimate interpersonal exchanges as spam due to the level of obnoxious language. And then everyone settles down...
ORIGINAL COMMENT
I think political mudslinging is a ritual display that has nothing to do with the characters of those who indulge in it. Nor does it necessarily have anything to do with the characters of those defamed by it; a lot of claims made during elections have turned out to be groundless, after the dust settled.
For perspective...have others tried being active spectators during a state legislative session, especially when a bill generates controversy? Close e-friends and even political allies get into the "*I* wouldn't vote for *your* official for *dog*catcher" and "What about *your* official" and so on. E-mail services overheat and misfile legitimate interpersonal exchanges as spam due to the level of obnoxious language. And then everyone settles down...