HOW TELEVISION HAS CHANGED POLITICS Ali C. Monroe

History of Television and Politics  Television was introduced in America in 1940 and soon after substituted the radio as the main source of information (Noble, 211).  The television has changed the way we see politics and politicians and this all started in the 1950s.  In the 1950s Americans were able to be more informed and aware of politics.  The first political campaign to place ads on television was in 1952 for Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Television in America  The television is an important technology in the life of most Americans.  “Watching TV was the leisure activity that occupied the most time (2.8 hours per day), accounting for about half of leisure time, on average, for those age 15 and over. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)”

Politics in America “As the age of television progresses the Reagans will be the rule, not the exception. To be perfect for television is all a President has to be these days,” Gore Vidal.

Political Campaigns  Political campaigns are widely broadcasted in America.  The culture of watching debates and getting information instantly through television has not always been around.  The politics of running for any position of office in the United States has changed drastically throughout the century.  Television has changed the way we see candidates as well as how candidates run for office, from the haircuts they have to the clothes they wear Americans can watch how politicians appear on a day-to-day basis.

Good Looking Presidents since the Advent of Television  “I was reminded today of the commonly held belief that since the advent of mass media – good looks is a critical advantage in winning the Presidency of the United States (Harding, 3).”  Kennedy is a perfect example of this; in shaping his legend, Kennedy’s personal charm helped. A witty and articulate speaker, he seemed built for the age of television. To watch him on film today is to be struck by the power of his presence and the wit and elegance of his oratory.

Politics According to Television  With consultants and more viewers, politicians are able to seem likeable and familiar to the American people.  From outfits to new haircuts, the American people expect their candidates to look their best at every appearance.  Advertisements capture these ideas best.

Looking like the Perfect Candidate  Millions of dollars are spent every year, from both parties, on makeup, ads, outfits, etc.  Not only is it the physical things, such as outfits and haircuts, it is additionally the price of a consultant to tell the candidates what they should wear, look like, and say.  “Politicians often wear makeup for photo and video shoots. Federal campaigns, on at least 26 different occasions since 2002, reported paying for haircuts and other primping -- services totaling $7,443, according to an analysis by The Politico of Federal Election Commission data. (Vogel, 1)”

Politics and Primping  In the last presidential election, “Romney spokesman Kevin Madden confirmed that the payments — actually two separate $150 charges — were for makeup, though he said the former Massachusetts governor had only one session with Hidden Beauty of West Hills, Calif. (Vogel, 1)”  This costly spending on looks and appearance does not stop at just makeup, it additionally includes haircuts, “And Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards refunded $800 his campaign shelled out for two haircuts after he was criticized for them. (Vogel, 1)”

Women in Politics as shown on TV  Whether discussing what the first lady wore to a dinner or how a female running mate dressed, women are many times critiqued on what they wear, how their hair looks, etc; women additionally spend costly amounts of money during campaigns.  Sarah Palin, who was torn to shreds in comedy sketches (such as SNL) about her ‘costly’ looks “Since her selection as John McCain's running mate, the Republican National Committee spent more than $150,000 on clothing and make-up for Gov. Sarah Palin.”

Conclusion “Apparently, a democracy is a place where numerous elections are held at great cost without issues and with interchangeable candidates.” -Gore Vidal.  In conclusion, the television has not only changed the common, everyday American culture, but has additionally changed the way we view our political candidates.  It is amazing that in less than a century, the television has transformed the way we not only view candidates, but view politics on a much broader scale.  From how we not only see candidates, receive political name recognition, to even understanding ideas about issues in the political world, the television has changed the way we not only spend out pastime but how we receive information, which is why it is such a powerful tool to the American political system.

Works Cited  Bazerman, Charles. “The Production of Technology and the Production of Human Meaning.” New York. Print.  Bureau of Labor Statistics. (United States Department of Labor) American Time Use Survey Summary  Cohn, Nate (September 12, 2012). "Exploding the Reagan 1980 Comeback Myth". The New Republic. Retrieved October 3, 2012."Exploding the Reagan 1980 Comeback Myth"  Cowan, Ruth Schwartz. “The Industrial Revolution in the Home.” New York. Print.  Green, John. Demand Media. Synonym. “How Did Television Change the Politics of the 1950s?”  Harding, Lari. Huffington Post. “Palin Clothes spending has Democrats Salivating, Republicans Disgusted.”  Howard, Suzanne. Washington Post. “Mad Money: TV ads in the 2012 Presidential Campaign.”  Noble, David F. “The Religion of Technology: The Divinity of Man and the Spirit of Invention.” Penguin Book, New York Print.  Stanford University. Political Communication Lab. “Going Negative”  Vogel, Kenneth P. “Romney spent $300 on makeup ‘consulting.’ Politico. July 07.