In recent years, the political environment seems overwhelmed with two phenomena: “fake news” and negative campaigning. While few would agree that fake news is a legitimate part of campaigning, it is hard to stop because we won’t stop looking at it. We’re attracted to negativity as well, but perversely, negative campaigns may actually be valuable to voters.

During this talk, Professor David P. Redlawsk will explore insights from political psychology research that help explain why both phenomena are ubiquitous and unlikely to end any time soon.

This lecture is in conjunction with the exhibition The Trail to the Voting Booth: The Evolution of Political Campaigns and Ephemera, which will be available online during Fall 2020 and on view in the Special Collections Gallery in Morris Library during Spring 2021.

David P. Redlawsk is the James R. Soles Professor and the chair of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Delaware. He is the author or editor of nine books, and has published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. His research focuses on campaigns, elections, the role of information in voter decision making, and on emotional responses to campaign information.