Violence on the Campaign Trail

Forget an angry electorate: the most irate people on the campaign trail this year seem to be the candidates and their entourages. From sea to shining sea, workers and activists are heading home from rallies with shiners. Sure, we’ve come a long way since the days when Preston Brooks attacked colleague Charles Sumner on the Senate floor, but those looking for a little civility won’t find it at their local debate. The latest example came Oct. 25, when supporters of Kentucky Senate candidate Rand Paul attacked a member of the liberal activist group MoveOn and stomped on her head. Though appalling, it’s hardly the first offense. Here’s a short history of the pugilistic political season in 2010.