Election Day is closing in, and things are getting "meaner" on the political stump. That's according to UW-Madison political scientist Ken Mayer, who says attacks are getting more bitter and personal in the race for president. Mayer says it's not surprising though, because it's just the natural progression of campaigns.
He says many Americans complain about negative ads, but research has shown that they work. Mayer says they can often more effectively get information across to voters.
However, Mayer also warns that they can backfire against candidates.
The McCain-Palin ticket is raising questions about Barack Obama's character and past association with a 1960s radical. Obama is bringing up McCain's involvement in the savings and loan scandal of the 80s.