This is not an edifying election. That’s putting it delicately. Any honest survey of the quality of the candidates and the arguments they are making will leave you deeply depressed.

All across the country, voters are being asked to choose among truly dreadful candidates, whose main argument is that “the other guy is much worse.” Both parties do it. They do it because it works.  

Unfortunately, the candidates don’t have to exaggerate to underscore how bad their opponents are. That doesn’t stop them from making it their battle cry. “My opponent is more corrupt than Tony Soprano.” “My opponent believes transgenders should play in your kid’s sport. After he’s rammed that outrage down your throat, he’ll force your kid to marry one.” 

Those quotes are fictional, of course, but the mudslinging is not. It’s pervasive, and it dominates this year’s election politics. Millions of dollars are being spent on negative ads and very little on positive ones. There’s a reason: negative emotions are powerful motivators, and political consultants know it. 

This hostile rhetoric,........

© The Spectator