I'm not sure if this is a vauable innovation in the political process or a further coarsening of our public life, but it is at least mighty interesting:
Democrats and Republicans in Allen County have unveiled new attack websites targeting the opposition's candidate in the Fort Wayne Mayor's race.
The Republican Party of Allen County created this site: www.therealtomhenry.com
They've given him the nickname "Tax Hike Tom" and characterize him as a big spender.
[. . .]
Steve Shine, Allen County Republican Party chairman, said, “We think it's important to balance the image that Tom Henry has portrayed as a conservative fiscal individual.”
The Allen County Democratic Party created this site: www.therealpaula.com
The democrats characterize her as a flip-flopper and a double talker.
“We started www.therealpaula.com because Paula has been telling a lot of flat out lies about her record,” said Kevin Knuth, spokesman for The Allen County Democratic Party.
So, basically, "Liar, liar, pants on fire!" More like "you poopyhead" than "I would respectfully disagree with my learned opponent." So let's go with the "coarsening" option, shall we? It might be interesting to follow these sites -- it could be like an extended debate with a little added snideness that the Web seems to encourage. But I wouldn't expect to come away with anything like an authentic, objective fact-finding added to my understanding of the mayoral race. These are highly motivaated partisans attacking each other, and the criticisms aren't any more likely to be without spin than the statements being criticized.
Yeah, I checked them out. The Real Paula Hughes site says, "It's clear sje;'' say just about anything to be mayor, even if it means running away from her own record." A candidate who will say anything! How shocking! The Real Tom Henry site says, "Lately, we've come to realize that Tom Henry isn't who he previously said he was." A politician who might be hazy about his record! Who knew? As near as I can tell, both Paula Hughes and Tom Henry are lying slimeballs trying to hide the terrible secret that they are tax-loving demons.
I guess that means no which one is elected, I can expect the cost of city government to get cheaper and cheaper, huh? Har, har, har. The progression should be: Lies, damned lies, statistics, campaign statements.
