We've lost our way in politics on the "negative" side.
The definition of going negative has been skewed and bastardized to the point that it's harming legitimate debate. It is entirely fair for one candidate to challenge another on their record. If a candidate is pushing the boundaries of reality with a statement, it's fair game to call them on it. Pointing out flaws in logic is crucial to an adult discussion on the issues.
We have hit a level of post-fact politics, and it's because the public no longer distinguishes between a candidate challenging another, and negative campaigning.
When someone disagrees with a statement I make, I take it as an opportunity for one of three things;
a) I learn because it turns out I am wrong.
b) I learn because while I still stand by my argument, there is some validity in the other person's concern that needs to be addressed.
c) The person I am debating with missed crucial information and they are wrong on facts, so I'll give them the facts I have.
Disagreement isn't bad, it is what makes the world improve. Things improve because someone said there is a better way than what we are doing. Understanding the flaws in reasoning is more often than not the starting point for building something better.
We should always be suspicious of a candidate or anyone that attacks another based on personality, superficial things (Trudeau's hair, Scheer's excessive plainness) purely. We should be extremely suspicious when someone claims to know the motives of the other. These attacks represent the weakness of the attacker's opinion, it's disgusting and sad and weakens debate.
But criticizing a candidates actions, and outcomes is and needs to be fully fair game.
I don't expect a perfect mayor, councillor, MPP, MP or premier.
I do expect them to learn and get better or get voted out for someone who does, though.
Let's all disagree more, but pay attention to the other side's arguments and look for opportunity. Because opportunity is where we need to go, and it's very often found in the other side of a disagreement.
Jeff MacIntyre
Sudbury