JJ, I am with you on this one. It would be a beautiful thing if campaigns were conducted based on ... well, pretty much anything other than 30-second campaign commercials.

Ain't gonna happen. First Amendment has been interpreted to say anybody has the right to buy TV time, any time they want.

And TV stations aren't exactly going to turn down advertising money.

Uh, who do you think regulates the "air waves"? Maybe Congress? (I know it's the FCC, but who do you think has the power to push the FCC?) Political ads are sold at the lowest rates by law. Whenever you want to know why something is done the way it's done, see where the money is. The power of incumbency. 90% of all incumbents retain their office. And they say online poker is rigged.

Campaign advertising in mass media is not allowed in India. There are also spending limits on campaign finance. Here's some stuff that happens instead:

- The allegations/mudslinging are 'reported' in newspapers instead.
- Various spokespeople for the parties do a lot of interviews where they basically say what an ad might say, with very little in the way of debate or questioning of factual accuracy.
- Incumbents place ads (with public money) touting what a great job theyre doing. But its to attract investment in their state/district, not a campaign ad.
- Politicians 'attend' events hosted by others. Its not their own, so the campaign expenditure limit issue doesnt come up.

I dont think you can legislate the ugly out of politics.