The Sleaziest Campaign Ads of 2008

The Sleaziest Campaign Ads of 2008

Here are five nominees for the most revolting, dishonest and remarkably sleazy campaign ads of the year.

Copy Link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Bluesky
Pocket
Email

In this video, Talking Points Memo takes a look back at this year’s sleaziest campaign commercials as a part of the website’s first annual Golden Dukes awards. The awards seek to “recognize great accomplishments in muckiness including acts of venal corruption, outstanding self-inflicted losses of dignity, crimes against the republic, bribery, exposed hypocrisy and generally malevolent governance.” And what a year it’s been! From John McCain’s insinuation that Barack Obama favors sex education for kindergarten students to Liddy Dole’s assertion that her opponent cavorted with “godless” fundraisers, the mudslinging was fierce and the messages downright ridiculous. Winners of the Golden Dukes awards will be announced December 31. You can see a full list of the nominees here.

Marissa Colón-Margolies

Check out more great Nation videos on our YouTube channel.

Time is running out to have your gift matched 

In this time of unrelenting, often unprecedented cruelty and lawlessness, I’m grateful for Nation readers like you. 

So many of you have taken to the streets, organized in your neighborhood and with your union, and showed up at the ballot box to vote for progressive candidates. You’re proving that it is possible—to paraphrase the legendary Patti Smith—to redeem the work of the fools running our government.

And as we head into 2026, I promise that The Nation will fight like never before for justice, humanity, and dignity in these United States. 

At a time when most news organizations are either cutting budgets or cozying up to Trump by bringing in right-wing propagandists, The Nation’s writers, editors, copy editors, fact-checkers, and illustrators confront head-on the administration’s deadly abuses of power, blatant corruption, and deconstruction of both government and civil society. 

We couldn’t do this crucial work without you.

Through the end of the year, a generous donor is matching all donations to The Nation’s independent journalism up to $75,000. But the end of the year is now only days away. 

Time is running out to have your gift doubled. Don’t wait—donate now to ensure that our newsroom has the full $150,000 to start the new year. 

Another world really is possible. Together, we can and will win it!

Love and Solidarity,

John Nichols 

Executive Editor, The Nation

Ad Policy
x