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'Dirty tricks' in Republican Iowa caucuses reflect long history of campaign tactics

The country's electoral history is riddled with nasty swipes and sophisticated undermining moves from politicians who profess godliness and virtue while plotting vice. So should we be surprised if "dirty tricks" play out in the U.S. presidential election campaign?
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Dirty tricks in the Republican Iowa caucuses is the latest in a long history of dubious campaign tactics by U.S. politicians, says author Joseph Cummins, who has chronicled dirty tricks from the 1700's until present day. (Eric Thayer/Reuters)
The Current19:07'Dirty tricks' in Republican Iowa caucuses reflects long history of campaign tactics

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The country's electoral history is riddled with nasty swipes and sophisticated undermining moves from politicians who profess godliness and virtue while plotting vice.

Should we be surprised if "dirty tricks" play out in the U.S. presidential election campaign?

9 things to know about the Republican who won the Iowa caucuses

U.S. Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz has been accused of carrying out dirty tricks during the Iowa caucuses by putting out a flyer saying Ben Carson had quit the race and directing his voters to vote for Cruz. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

Guests in this segment:

  • Elias Isquith, staff political writer at Salon.com
  • Joseph Cummins, author of Anything for a Vote: Dirty Tricks, Cheap Shots, and October Surprises in U.S. Presidential Campaigns.
     

This segment was produced by The Current's Howard Goldenthal, Taylor Simmons and Marino Greco. 

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