Introduction
As long as an Ad observed the code of ethics set by the law and most importantly by the society. The ad fits and should be used by candidates to popularize themselves. Though the ad should do no harm, be angled to make things better, be fair, and show love and respect to others (Neher, & Sandin, 2007). By these standards, the ad would and should have a place in a civilized society where freedom of religion culture and speech define democracy.
Truth
An ad should tell the truth at all costs, and, however, it would be accurate to say that the society satirically expects the truth. The society also wants to hear the truth, but even when it is true, and there is always a sensation of doubt. These, unfortunately, are seeds of dishonesty sowed by the politicians in the past. Denton (2000), states that politicians have learn how to use the truth when it is in their favor and how to avoid it when it is not. In the case of Obama 2008, his campaign ran an ad that introduced Obama with a soft warm guitar tune playing in the Background (Living Room Candidate n. d.). The Ad represented a part of Obama’s life showing and referencing family photos showing Obama in Kansas growing up. None of the pictures portrayed him as being an activist from Chicago or the boy born in Hawaii. By showing that he was from Kansas, the ad suggested he was from the heart of America.
Criticism
While criticism can be a great tool for campaigns, it is below per when it seen to go after a person and not an argument. It is important for criticism to go beyond the personal level. Attacking a person is self-defeating and disrespectful. People are no longer interested with negative campaigning. People are more interested with real issues that are about them e.g. the economy, the schooling system, the health issues, housing and jobs (Neher, & Sandin, 2007).
Promises
In the 1952 Ad the Living Room Candidate (n. d.), Richard Nixon campaigns were the first to push for anti-corruption Ads. Unfortunately, he promised more than he had, the same system he supported fight corruption saw him go down on the same. As he promised to fight corruption, Richard Nixon showed his opponent as a liberal who made promises of welfare to all people who could not get a job. He turned the promises made by his opponent to his favor by analyzing them while pushing for his own. Denton, (2000) state it is okay for politicians to promise what is not okay is them promising things they were sure they would not follow up.
Listening
It is one thing for a child not to listen but another when it is a politician. Schill (2012), states while listening does not come forth to many as a moral factor, listening is an ethical matter. Failure to listen shows lack of respect and lack of personal morals. It is vital for a political candidate to listen to what the citizens are saying
Conclusion
There is evidence that political Ads regulation is systematically monitored (Gehrke, 2009). The rules go on from controlling telling the broadcasters on time spent, ensure equality to how much to charge for Ads. Politicians should avoid viewing ethical behavior as a political strategy for election and instead view it as the right thing to do.
References
Denton, R. (2000). Political communication ethics an oxymoron. Westport, Conn: Praeger.
Gehrke, P. (2009). The ethics and politics of speech communication and rhetoric in the twentieth century. Carbondale: Southern. Illinois University Press.
Neher, W. W., & Sandin, P. J. (2007).Communicating ethically: character, duties, consequences, and relationships. Boston: Pearson, Allyn & Bacon.
The Living Room Candidate - Commercials - 2008 – country-i-love (Web). (n.d.). The Living Room Candidate - Commercials - 2008 - Yes We Can (Web). Retrieved October 4, 2014, from http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2008/nixon-on-corruption-web
The Living Room Candidate - Commercials - 1952 – nixon on corrupiton (Web). (n.d.). The Living Room Candidate - Commercials - 2008 - Yes We Can (Web). Retrieved October 4, 2014, from http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2008/nixon-on-corruption-web
Schill, D. (2012). The Visual Image and the Political Image: A Review of Visual Communication Research in the Field of Political Communication. Review of Communication, 12(2), 118-142.
