A campaign itself doesn’t have to go negative - that’s what allies and PACs are for. And yes, both sides do it, neither more than the other.
It will be interesting if the Democrats try to do an issue-focused positive campaign in 2020, or even in the Congressional races this year.
Regards,
Shodan
On the local level I think it can and does work although a specific example escapes me right now. Local elections have the advantage that one Party or the other is usually firmly in control.
County or state it could maybe work although the exact demographics could negate the possibility.
National level ------ I have a better chance of being elected Pope by the College or Cardinals than a positive and issue-driven candidate.
To the OP’s question: no. Why? Because human nature. Someone on one side or the other will mess it up. Consider this: how often does a thread around here on a political topic start as issue-focused and quickly (or at least eventually) deteriorate into trolling and name-calling?
Excellent point. This board is a microcosm of human nature.