DIRTY POLITICS
While that example of dirty politics may be apocryphal, there are other
examples which are all too real. In 1972, an early frontrunner for the
Democratic presidential race named Edmund Muskie became a victim of dirty
politics. Political enemies leaked a letter to the press which allegedly
contained quotes from Muskie condemning French-Canadians. This letter
followed allegations of Muskie's wife being an active alcoholic, another
example of dirty politics. Muskie's emotional defense of his wife made him
appear weak and vulnerable, two qualities not often viewed. as presidential.
The "Canuck Letter" also turned out to be a complete forgery.
Dirty politics can range from invasive investigations into an opponent's
personal life to complete IRS audits ordered by an incumbent president.
President Richard Nixon is said to have maintained an entire staff of experts
in dirty politics, including Donald Segretti and a young Republican named
Karl Rove. Political enemies of the president were routinely audited for
years, even television hosts such as Dick Cavett. Cavett had criticized one
of Nixon's policies on-air, in front of a guest who Cavett correctly assumed
worked for the Nixon White House.
Dirty politics have played a role in American elections since the time of
George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson himself is said to have
used pamphlets filled with incriminating or embarrassing information about
his political opponents. Several presidential elections may have been swayed
by the use of dirty politics. Opponents of presidential candidate James
Garfield in 1880 published a letter, supposedly written by Garfield himself,
recommending that companies use cheap labor whenever possible, including
Chinese immigrants. Garfield managed to prove the letter was a forgery before
it could permanently damage his campaign.
Dirty politics can occur at any level of public service. Local political
candidates often use financial records to embarrass an opponent. Family
members and known political associates may also become fair game in dirty
politics. A candidate's mental stability may be challenged, especially if he
or she offers up an emotional or overheated response to dirty politics. A
negative ad campaign is not always the same as dirty politics, provided the
charges in those ads are true and confirmable. Dirty politics often occur
away from the scrutiny of the press, so many examples rarely come to light
until years after the campaigns have ended.
OTHER DIRTY POLITICS
1.PAYING HUGE SUMS OF MONEY TO GET MPS TO CROSS OVER.
2.HARM OPPOSITION MEBERS /THREATEN
3.VOTE RIGGING
COUNTRIES HAVING DIRTY POLITICS
1.MYANMAR
2.THAILAND
3.SRI LANKA
4.ZIMBARBVE
