Outrageous smear attacks tend to vaccinate candidates against other attacks

[andym]

Outrageous smear attacks tend to vaccinate candidates against other attacks after the wrong-headed or exaggerated smear is struck down. Those who heard the attack will often be resistant to further attacks in the same vein in order to be not fooled twice. Bush's campaign used this kind of stuff to protect him against drug usage and draft-dodging charges.

The consequence of this is that professional political operatives may initiate a smear attack against their own candidate (as Rove did). In any case, they welcome the efforts of amateurs who try to create exaggerated spin attacks against their candidate, because the aftermath of such unsuccessful attacks is beneficial to the candidate.

Ironically, the lesson here is that some DU'ers who use exaggerated spin to attack the opponent are actually helping the opponent, especially if the attack has "legs."

[barbtries]

1. a point well made

by the time we get to the general election whoever is running should be fully inoculated. they would do well to grow the hide of a rhinoceros as well. if it looks ugly now just wait. i hate when i find myself wishing for time to pass already, because i'm getting no younger and every day should be precious, but shit, election season is hellish isn't it?

[SPURGEMAN23]

2. It only works when you have help from the press.

Rove "genuis" was having corporate-owned media outlets reporting his meme. No fact checking or truth. They outed a covert agent and no one has spent a day in jail for it. There would have been a trial for treason if a Dem had done it. So it is not so much vaccination as it is how it is reported, in my opinion.

[andym]

3. The press plays their part

No dobut, the press plays their part, usually as a willing stooge.