Negative Campaigning and Turnout
Goo-goo “reformers” like John McCain are always saying that “negative” campaigning drives down voter turnout.
I disagree. “Negative” campaigning informs voters of a candidate’s record and impresses upon them the gravity of the choice they’re making in the voting booth; so I’ve been urging the Bushies to go negative for several months now.
The latest Gallup poll backs me up. After several months of Democrat attacks, followed by a few weeks of Bush attack ads, goo-goo “reformers” would expect voters to be tuning out from the presidential race. However, voter interest is at an all-time high:
5. Compared to previous elections, are you more enthusiastic about voting than usual, or less enthusiastic?
More enthusiastic Less enthusiastic Same No opinion Registered Voters 2004 Mar 26-28 52 29 18 1 2004 Jan 29-Feb 1 56 32 10 1 2000 Oct 13-15 38 39 20 3 2000 Mar 10-12 39 38 22 1 2000 Jan 7-10 45 37 17 1 1996 Oct 23-24 17 36 45 2 National Adults 2004 Mar 26-28 51 32 16 1 2004 Jan 29-Feb 1 55 34 10 1 2000 Mar 10-12 37 40 21 2 2000 Jan 7-10 43 38 17 2 Republican leaners 2004 Mar 26-28 52 27 20 1 2004 Jan 29-Feb 1 53 31 15 1 2000 Mar 10-12 45 32 22 1 2000 Jan 7-10 51 32 16 1 Democratic leaners 2004 Mar 26-28 51 35 13 1 2004 Jan 29-Feb 1 59 34 6 1 2000 Mar 10-12 33 47 19 1 2000 Jan 7-10 39 42 17 2
– PoliPundit