NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Although John Kerry’s advisers have promised that
the Democrats will maintain a positive, upbeat tone during their
national convention, a Vanderbilt political scientist expects the Bush
bashing to continue in other forums, especially once the convention
ends.
John Geer, who has a forthcoming book about attack ads used in
previous presidential campaigns, says the primary vehicle for
criticizing Bush will be television ads. If Kerry expects to pick up
swing votes, it will be critical for him to raise doubts about the
incumbent president’s leadership, Geer says. That will be a critical
part of the fall campaign.
While the Kerry campaign must begin using public campaign financing
dollars to run ads after the nomination, the Bush campaign can continue
to use privately raised funds until Bush’s nomination in September.
Geer anticipates both parties will use their conventions as
springboards for presenting the major issues of the fall campaign.
Vanderbilt Professor of Political Science John Geer is co-teaching a
course on the 2004 election in the fall. His books include From Tea
Leaves to Opinion Polls and Nominating Presidents. He has a new book to
be published in spring 2005 titled Attacking Democracy: A Defense of
Negativity in Presidential Campaigns, 1960-2000.
Media contact: Ann Marie Deer Owens, (615) 322-NEWS
Annmarie.owens@vanderbilt.edu