Deck 15: Political Advertising in Presidential Election Campaigns

Question 1

Write an essay in which you evaluate the pros and cons of negative advertising in presidential campaigns for American democracy. Provide specific examples to support your arguments.

Answer 1

Negative advertising in presidential campaigns has been a controversial topic in American democracy. On one hand, it can be argued that negative advertising serves as a way for candidates to highlight their opponent's flaws and weaknesses, allowing voters to make more informed decisions. However, negative advertising can also be seen as damaging to the democratic process, as it can lead to a focus on personal attacks rather than policy issues.

One of the pros of negative advertising is that it can provide voters with important information about a candidate's character and record. For example, in the 2004 presidential campaign, the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth group ran ads attacking Democratic nominee John Kerry's military service, raising questions about his credibility and leadership. While controversial, these ads brought attention to Kerry's military record and allowed voters to consider his qualifications for the presidency.

On the other hand, negative advertising can also have detrimental effects on the democratic process. It can lead to a focus on personal attacks and mudslinging, rather than a discussion of important policy issues. For example, in the 2016 presidential campaign, both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton engaged in negative advertising, with Trump labeling Clinton as "Crooked Hillary" and Clinton attacking Trump's character and business practices. This focus on personal attacks detracted from a meaningful discussion of the candidates' policy proposals and visions for the country.

In conclusion, while negative advertising can provide voters with important information about a candidate's character and record, it can also lead to a focus on personal attacks rather than policy issues. In evaluating the pros and cons of negative advertising in presidential campaigns for American democracy, it is important to consider the potential impact on the democratic process and the ability of voters to make informed decisions. Ultimately, it is crucial for candidates to strike a balance between highlighting their opponent's flaws and weaknesses and engaging in a meaningful discussion of important policy issues.

Question 2

Write an essay in which you propose a method for addressing misinformation and misleading campaign ads and other false online information. What interventions could be effective in alleviating the problem?

Answer 2

In today's digital age, misinformation and misleading campaign ads have become a pervasive issue, leading to a lack of trust in the information we consume. This problem is further exacerbated by the ease with which false information can be spread online. In order to address this issue, it is crucial to propose effective interventions that can alleviate the spread of misinformation and misleading campaign ads.

One method for addressing this problem is through the implementation of fact-checking initiatives. Fact-checking organizations can play a crucial role in verifying the accuracy of information and holding individuals and organizations accountable for spreading false information. By partnering with social media platforms and news outlets, fact-checking initiatives can help to flag and remove misleading content, thereby reducing its impact on the public.

Another effective intervention is the promotion of media literacy and critical thinking skills. By educating individuals on how to critically evaluate the information they encounter online, we can empower them to discern between credible and misleading content. This can be achieved through educational programs in schools, as well as public awareness campaigns that emphasize the importance of verifying information before sharing it.

Furthermore, regulatory measures can also be implemented to address the spread of misinformation and misleading campaign ads. Governments can introduce legislation that holds individuals and organizations accountable for spreading false information, imposing penalties for those who engage in such practices. Additionally, social media platforms can be required to implement stricter policies and algorithms that prioritize the dissemination of accurate information.

In addition to these interventions, collaboration between technology companies, governments, and civil society organizations is essential in addressing the spread of misinformation. By working together, these stakeholders can develop and implement comprehensive strategies that leverage technology, policy, and education to combat the spread of false information.

In conclusion, addressing the issue of misinformation and misleading campaign ads requires a multi-faceted approach that combines fact-checking initiatives, media literacy education, regulatory measures, and collaboration between stakeholders. By implementing these interventions, we can work towards alleviating the problem and restoring trust in the information we consume online.

Question 3

Which of the following is not an effect of political ads?

A) Strong recall of negative ads
B) Learning candidates' issue positions
C) Acquiring non-superficial issue-based knowledge
D) Priming feelings and prejudices
E) Activating the base, or alternately influencing the undecided

Answer 3

Acquiring non-superficial issue-based knowledge

Question 4

Which of the following is a shortcoming of fact-checking?

A) Fact-checking reports run the risk of magnifying the effects of the misleading spot by giving it free publicity.
B) Viewer selectivity limits fact check effectiveness - not all individuals are aware of or use fact check sites.
C) Due to selective exposure viewers may not see fact-checks that correct false claims made by their candidate.
D) Campaign consultants delegitimize fact-checking services when repeating false claims.
E) All of the above are shortcomings of fact-checking

Question 5

Which social media site began correcting factual inaccuracies in posts by political candidates in 2020?

A) Facebook
B) Twitter
C) YouTube
D) Instagram
E) Reddit