"A naive, foolish plan, doomed to fail."
Roosevelt's voice echoed in his mind.
"Son, do you think politics is a debate competition? That the one with the better argument wins? Do you think an election is just a numbers game? That the person who hands out the most flyers wins?"
"You know so little about this country's politics."
"Positive campaigning is a must, of course, and ground mobilization is essential," Roosevelt said. "But that's like the honor guard and the military band on a battlefield. They put on a big, lively show, but they can't kill anyone."
"To win an election this close, you must learn to use another kind of weapon. One that is older, more effective, and far dirtier."
"What is it?" Leo asked curiously.
"Negative attacks."
Leo felt a pang of discomfort.
"Do you mean you want us to invent lies to smear Cortes?"
