Kerry Campaign Needs 19th Century Political Strategist

[many a good man]

He has already tried responding with honesty and dignity to all the shameless slurs to no effect. The Swift Boat Liars' smear is now the official Republican party line. It is the deepest attack possible to a man's honor and led to Kerry making his most stinging attack to date. Everyone is wondering is it too little too late?

Democratic strategists need to look back to the 19th century, when this type of no-holds-barred mudslinging was common. It has been widely reported that Rove's idol is Mark Hannah, aka McKinley's brain. Hannah and Rove have both pined for the good old days of anything goes. Rove is succeeding in re-creating it today with the help of a compliant media.

Any American history buffs out there aware of any strategies used that were effective in this type of campaigning? Or is Mutually Assured Destruction the only answer? I think we all should be aware that Rove's priority is suppressing the vote, another consequence of negative campaigning...

[Malva Zebrina]

1. No I have nothing to offer but will be interested in following the thread

the first thing that came to my mine was this speaking of "Bloody Kansas.

The Caning of Sumner:
The violence in Kansas provoked Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts to deliver a harsh speech on the Senate floor, “The Crime Against Kansas,” in which he assailed slavery and the South, singling out his Senate colleague, Andrew Butler of South Carolina, for criticism. Butler’s nephew, Congressman Preston Brooks of South Carolina, retaliated by repeatedly hitting Sumner with a cane while the Massachusetts senator was seated at his desk on the floor of the Senate. Sumner became a martyr in the North, especially to abolitionists, and did not resume his senatorial duties for three years. Meanwhile, Butler began a hero in the South.

more stuff here


http://elections.harpweek.com/NewSite/1860/Events-1860.htm