Drag Queen Devon. Death Smith. Veto Villain — nasty political attacks the norm in northern Nevada now (pt. 1) with Beth Smith and Dr. Amy Pason

Drag Queen Devon. Beth "Death" Smith. Veto Villain. The list of nasty and personal attacks, many of them launched by right-wing activist Robert Beadles, goes on and on. What does it do to the people who are targeted? Why are some taking this tactic, even though it's been largely unsuccessful? Where should we draw the line? In this two-part series, host Ben Margiott interviews candidates, activists and experts about the increasingly nasty political rhetoric and what can be done about it. In episode 1, Beth Smith opens up about threats to her family's safety after ads attacked her for her cancer diagnosis. Plus, part 1 of our conversation with UNR's Dr. Amy Pason about the history and effectiveness of this kind of messaging. Vote Ballot Battleground: Nevada for best local podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices