In the context of the Baden-Württemberg election campaign, moral guardians have emerged, scrutinizing candidates for any perceived moral failings. The piece highlights how political discourse often resorts to character evaluations when other campaign strategies falter. Candidates are questioned on past behaviors such as sexism and racism, creating a charged atmosphere where missteps are magnified.

Manuel Hagel, the CDU's leading candidate, is called out for having made questionable comments about schoolgirls nearly eight years ago, which his opponents claim demands an apology for sexism. Likewise, Andreas Stoch from SPD received backlash for a relatively minor faux pas involving a pastie purchase, and although he issued an apology, the necessity of that apology is brought into question. This focus on personal character overshadows more substantive political discussions.

The ongoing scrutiny reflects a larger trend in political campaigns where character and personal morals are often highlighted over policy, resulting in candidates needing to address not only their present political stances but also past indiscretions. Such dynamics suggest a performative aspect to politics where moral purity is sought, yet it raises concerns about how genuine these critiques are when used as tools for political gain.