fear peddling, fear mongering.

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Recenty I read the NYT’s article “Obama Says Bush and McCain Are‘Fear Mongering’in Attacks” where I noted an unknown for me expression namely “fear mongering”. My attention was focused on the word “mongering”.
I know the meaning of the root word “monger” namely: “a dealer in a specific commodity”, “a person promoting something undesirable or discreditable”. I have heard the likes of it but I think that the expression in question is very close to the expression “smear compaign” with the following meaning : “an attempt to ruin a reputation by slander or vilification, as in this press agent is well known for starting smear compaigne against her clients’ major competitors. This phrase uses “smear” in the sense of “an attempt to discredit” or “slander”. A smear compaigne or smear tactic is a deliberate attempt by an individual or group to harm nother individuals or group’ reputation. This tactic is also colloquially reffered to as “mud slinging”.

Would you kind enough tell me some more details concerning the usage of the expression in bold from the following brief excerpt bellow?

Senator Barack Obama responded sharply on Friday to attacks on his foreign policy, linking President Bush and Senator John McCain as partners in “the failed policies” of the past seven years and criticizing them for “hypocrisy, fear peddling, fear mongering.”

Thank you in advance for your efforts.

Regards.

[Anglika]

It is use of repetition in order to emphasise his point.

Barack Obama is a notably good orator and his speeches are often vivid and well worth reading.

[vil]

Hi Anglika,

Thank you for your explanation.

Regards.

V.