According to new research, politicians gain an edge when they use smear tactics against their opponents.

We all have seen some pretty ridiculous advertisements leading up to elections. When asked, many people report finding these commercials ridiculous, and hoping that politicians would stick to the issues. But yet, outlandish claims against political opponents remain a staple of U.S. politics.

But do they work?

Research by (newly minted) Michigan State University psychology professor Spee Kosloff and colleagues put this to the test. Their findings are incredibly interesting.

In several studies, participants were exposed to either political smears of Barack Obama (i.e., he is Muslim) or John McCain (i.e.,he is senile). In some studies, Obama's race was made salient, as was McCain's age.

When Mccain's age was salient, people were more open to endorsing political smears against McCain. Likewise, when Obama's race was salient, people were more open to endorsing smears against Obama. This was especially the case for people who were undecided prior to the election.