Personal attacks or policy attacks? Which is most effective?

[kentuck]

Democrats tend to criticize Bush's education policy, his No Child Left Behind, the deficit and economic policies, the environment, etc...Repubs tend to talk about "flip-flopping", exaggerating or lying about the opponents record, his hair, his credentials, his Party label, etc, but not so much about policy issues.

Unfortunately for Democrats, once our candidate has been portrayed as a "liar" or a "flip-flopper" or whatever, none of the policy issues matter that much. The Republicans understand that. We, as a Party, understand that also, but we have not been willing to sink that low, although we amateurishly try at some times.

[farmbo]

1. For the remaining 8% of undeciededs...its the character, stupid!

They're going to vote based on the last credible, negative ad they see before they walk into the booth.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

2. Judging by recent history, personal attacks.

Sad, but true. I think it's because most Americans flat-out don't understand policy.

[jonnyblitz]

3. personal for sure. it requires less thought and effort . n/t

[kentuck]

4. Sadly, I think this election is a waste of time to talk about issues....

Even if we are talking about the war, we must personalize it as to who will make you safer and keep us strong or someone who is weak and indecisive and unwilling to use force to protect our country. Basically, that's the only issue that needs to be discussed.

[The Spirit of JFK]

5. The Rupubs know what works....and know American's attention span

Sadly, many American blank out after 15-20 seconds when it comes to politicians messages, so if you are going to talk policy, you either have to get your point across quickly and concisely, or you will fail completely. I honestly believe this was a big part of what killed Al Gore. Granted, Bill Clinton was a master at getting a message across, so Gore seemed even more uninteresting and long winded, but Gore tried to talk to tthe American public like we were all in a classroom....and Americans with a remote will not go for that. They don;t want to spend the time and they don't want to have to work that hard. So they will go for the next "best" thing; personal attacks. They are quick, concise, and think for you.....and for many Americans an personal attack on the politician IS an attack on their policy. And for a while now, the Repubs have done a really good job at doing that ANS passing it off as reality. And that's whey they have been winning.