The Sunday Magazine

When political attack ads backfire

October’s federal election is still three months away, but the candidates have already taken​ off the gloves​, with​ negative ads running online and in the traditional medi​a.
Miniature of the Huns laying siege to a Aquileia, circa 1360 (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

October's federal election is still three months away, but the candidates have already taken​ off the gloves​, with​ negative ads running online and in the traditional medi​a. The NDP​ is highlighting a rogues​' gallery of Conservatives embroiled in scandal, while the Conservatives have juxtaposed Justin Trudeau's stance on terrorism with ISIS execution videos, When it comes to political ads, how far is too far? And what​ is the impact ​of playing dirty on the electoral process?
 

Weighing in on those questions ​with guest host Rachel Giese are Marie Della Mattia, president of The Now Group, an advertising agency that specializes in advocacy ads for governments and unions​; and Bill Walker, a public relations and communications consultant and a former Parliamentary Bureau Chief at The Toronto Star.​ He is also the author of ​​Crisis Communications in the 24/7 Social Media World.