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It is rare for rational debate to figure prominently in the run-up to a general election, and this one is proving no different. Perhaps we should not be surprised to see the leaders of the two main political parties shamelessly attempting to outbid each other in a reactionary policy auction over crime and immigration. But we should be depressed and angered by it.

Over the past few weeks, the farcical nature of all pre-election campaigning has descended to new depths. On immigration and asylum, the socialists (that's Labour, in case you were wondering) propose ID cards, increased deportations, and a skills-based "points" system for all immigrants. Successful asylum applicants will also lose their right to stay in the UK indefinitely - instead being expected to return when their home country is deemed safe. Enlightened social policy it is not.

In response Michael Howard's Conservatives have lurched even further to the right. In an attempt to turn public concern and confusion into votes, Howard proposes annual immigration quotas and compulsory health checks for many immigrants.

No doubt Howard is congratulating himself on a plan which simultaneously cracks down on immigrants from poor or developing countries while leaving those from the developed world largely unaffected.

There is little more illumination to be found on crime. Labour promises ever more punitive strategies to tackle antisocial behaviour including "drink banning orders" and alcohol disorder zones. Antisocial families will receive "intensive rehabilitation" and parenting programmes, followed by eviction if they fail to improve.  Howard's mantra is simple: "Build more prisons and fewer criminals will be free to commit crime. It's common sense."

Yes, there is concern about immigration, antisocial behaviour and crime. And yes, politicians are there to reflect and act upon the wishes and needs of the general public. But what Blair and Howard fail to realise is that the general public is nowhere near as prejudiced and hysterical as the tabloids would have them believe. By pandering to an extreme minority - largely created and sustained by the right wing press - the mainstream parties simply lose the confidence of the majority, who see their ever-more extreme posturing for the dishonest rubbish that it is. Politics like this is patronising and dangerous, and we deserve better.