1. Media and Politics They go together like peanut butter and jelly, Bonnie and Clyde, Oreos and milk

2. Television (Turn on, tune in, drop out) Why use T.V.? 99% of households have a T.V. On for roughly 8 hrs a day 72% claim it is primary news source

3. While advertising is expensive, coverage is free. Candidates can manipulate the media to garner more coverage by what is called managed news coverage

4. The good, the bad, the ugly Initially the campaign ads on T.V. were positive and focused on the beneficial traits of candidates Eventually they became the negative ads we see today and so began negative campaign advertising. These negative ads included issue ads. Lyndon Johnson Flower Girl Ad

5. Ugly: First televised presidential debate Nixon v. Kennedy Nixon looked like he had been on an all night bender. (sweaty, unshaven) Kennedy looked healthy and fresh, addressed the viewers People listening on the radio thought Nixon won Viewers gave the victory to Kennedy

6. Televised debates now play a huge role in the campaign. Recently Fred Thompson missed a Republican debate to announce his run for the presidency. Critics felt this was a bad move.

7. Impact of Television: Radio and print used to be the major methods for information. Now Television is major media source. “Sound Bites” are quick blurbs of the candidates on the TV vs. more in-depth write ups in newspapers. People’s attention span doesn’t last long enough for policy issues, just to see candidates in action. Compared to radio?

8. Video Killed the Radio Star (what my book presupposes is, maybe it didn’t) Radio as a force to be reckoned with. FDR and his “fireside chats” c. 1933 Talk radio c. 1994 Over 1000 talk radio shows 40% of people say radio is their primary political news source.

9. Many politicians have become regulars on talk radio. Reagan, Clinton, Mario Cuomo Which is more influential? Being a politician or having a radio show. “Fringe” or any hosts: Do they have too much power and is this good or bad

10. Impact of Internet (Mama said knock you out) Benefits: 40% of 16+ use the internet Cheap way to campaign (no pamphlets, door to door grassroots, etc. Convenient: Don’t have to attend meetings, multiple sources

11. Easy to raise money: John McCain raised millions of dollars overnight online in 2000 Barack Obama… In addition, it is easier to track campaign contributions. Remember FEC online?

12. Disadvantages: Since it is cheap opponents will also use it Requires the USER to be motivated Not everyone has internet

13. Interest groups and Internet Allows groups to reach more people (national, global networks) No need for high overhead costs (i.e. office space, administrative costs) Labor unions use the internet to form protests and reach members globally. Can also strike online: Cyber strike

14. Are we moving toward an electronic democracy? Pros? Cons?