Will it ever be possible to run a smear free presidential campaign, one where only issues are discussed?

and no insults are ever hurled at the other candidates?Will it ever be possible to run a smear free presidential campaign, one where only issues are discussed?
It's always been possible, but it's unlikely to ever occur because people who are unable to sway you based on their credentials, skills, knowledge, and ideas find it easier to slam their competition.





If they can't win you over on their own merit, they'll at least try to get you to like the other person/people less.





That's why the whole process is a total turnoff to me. It's like watching mature, educated adults reduced to poor grade school playground behavior.Will it ever be possible to run a smear free presidential campaign, one where only issues are discussed?
Smears and insults are uncalled for. The issues would include character, one's past and morals, family skills, leadership abilities both at home and abroad, his associations and who this person might choose as VP. Some would include these aspects as smears and say they make no difference as far as for whom they are willing to vote.
I would love to see an election based only on the issues but sadly I don't think we ever will , I would also like to see a end to parties, all you ever hear is he's a republican so he is this kind of person or he's democrat so he's that kind of person. We are all humans trying to make a living and raise our families the best that we can and we all pray that who ever is in office will serve all the people to the best of his ability.
people having been using smear campaigns since the roman republic...so probaly no...and an election where nothing but the issues were discussed would be quite dull. Imagine having the first george bush and jimmy carter running aganist one another.....ooooo the thrill
Unfortunately, no, because insults and smears are what titillate the public into paying any attention whatsoever. The insults are remembered far longer than the stances. Name-calling sticks like glue.
When you get some qualified candidates you may see a smear free campaign. But as long as Odumber is in this race, you can expect it to get real ugly.
that will happen when we no longer have a republican party. Its their thing. Democrats are only playing their game this election cycle.
McCain truied but got tired of Obama's attacks every time Obama gave a speech.






no, the low information voters will completely tune out if there weren't any smears
No. Well, not on Earth anyway.
not as long as there is a republican party and right wing hate radio
Nope.
No. because you'd have to say ';I'; so much people would think you were a sociopath.