Mud-Slinging Baby-kissers

As the primaries around the country continue, the debates between the candidates become more heated than the fourth of July in Arizona.  Still, while each candidate fights to gain an edge over their opponents verbally, the images captured in the media play an equally important role in how voters view their pick for the next president of the United States.  With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, we here at mommyandme.com decided to take a step back from the mud-slinging and review the softer side of the politics through what has become a political necessity in getting votes – the ancient art of baby-kissing.

Dating back to the Andrew Jackson’s presidential campaign in 1828, baby-kissing is when presidential hopefuls grab hold of a baby within the crowd of potential voters in an effort to show the softer, more personal sides of their persona.  This moment is tactically brilliant for the politician, as the mere image of him/her gently holding or kissing a baby can convince enough voters witnessing the moment that this person should be their next president.  Why is this so much of a defining moment when policy issues are clearly more important in determining our country’s leader? There are several reasons:

There is little doubt that as the presidential election draws nearer, those hopeful to win the seat will be using every tactic they can to win voters over.  Baby-kissing is but one of those tactics that has been proven effective over the campaign trail.  And for those of you that may doubt the power of infant-smooching, take note of it next time you see it on your television screen, or seek out the many pictures that are on the Internet.  I guarantee your heart will melt for just a moment, and you will forget everything about the candidates that you heard.  Happy Valentine’s Day moms!

By: Anthony Ripo

Mommy & Me Correspondent