Story: Candidates Go Negative in Campaign Ads, 10/30/06
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec06/ads_10-30.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What is a negative political ad?

2. Are negative ads effective? Why or why not?

3. What are some consequences of using negative ads?

4. Describe the Willie Horton political ad and why it was effective?

5. What is the Daisy Girl ad? Who ran the ad? Who was the ad attacking?

6. How are negative political ads being used in this midterm election? Describe one from the article noting who is running the ad and who is being attacked in the ad.

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. According to the article, many Americans say they dislike negative political ads. Where do you stand on the issue? Should negative political ads be allowed?

2. What political ads are being shown in your community? Are they negative? Pick one and analyze it. Who is running the ad? Who is the object of attack? Is this ad effective? Are you more of less likely to vote for either candidate based on this ad?

3. Political ads used to be shown or heard primarily on television and the radio. How has the Internet changed how political ads are used by politicians? Is this good? Why or why not?

Write a 300-500 word essay on either of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.