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In Defense of Negativity: Attack Ads in Presidential Campaigns
(University of Chicago Press, 2006)

BOOK FORUM
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Noon

Featuring the author, John G. Geer, Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, Vanderbilt University; with comments by Jeremy Mayer, George Mason University; and moderated by John Samples, Director, Center for Representative Government, Cato Institute.

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Americans think negative campaign ads undermine elections and even democratic government itself. But John G. Geer argues that when political candidates attack each other, raising doubts about each other's views and qualifications, voters--and the democratic process--benefit. In Defense of Negativity, Geer's study of negative advertising in presidential campaigns from 1960 to 2004, asserts that proliferating attack ads are far more likely than positive ads to focus on salient political issues, rather than politicians' personal characteristics. Accordingly, the ads enrich the democratic process, providing voters with relevant and substantial information before they head to the polls. Geer concludes that, if we want campaigns to grapple with relevant issues and address real problems, negative ads just might be the solution.

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Feeds for Cato events: RSS • iCal

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL CATO INSTITUTE EVENTS

To register or for more information, call (202) 789-5229, fax (202) 371-0841, or send email.

Unless otherwise noted, all events are held at

THE CATO INSTITUTE'S F.A. HAYEK AUDITORIUM
1000 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20001

Business attire is requested.

For more information about Cato events, please visit Event FAQs.

The Cato Institute is located on the southwest corner of Massachusetts Avenue and 10th Street.
There is on-street, metered parking around the Institute, as well as a lot located on the corner
of Eye and 10th Streets. We are approximately 5 blocks from Metro Center. Take the metro to Metro
Center and use the 11th Street exit. Walk north so the lettered streets get higher (H, Eye, K, L,
Massachusetts). Make a right on L Street, and walk about 1 block. (See map)

In Defense of Negativity: Attack Ads in Presidential Campaigns(University of Chicago Press, 2006)

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL CATO INSTITUTE EVENTS

Unless otherwise noted, all events are held at

Business attire is requested.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL CATO INSTITUTE EVENTS

Unless otherwise noted, all events are held at

Business attire is requested.

In Defense of Negativity: Attack Ads in Presidential Campaigns
(University of Chicago Press, 2006)