1. The Media, Campaigns and Elections
Is democracy undermined or enhanced?

2. Martin O’Malley (D) and John Kasich (R) are both centrist candidates
Martin O’Malley (D) and John Kasich (R) are both centrist candidates. Explain the relevance to the Pew Poll data that shows a large number of independents.
Comment on the statement “pollsters often create a ‘bandwagon effect’ “ with regard to the current campaign.
Quiz: Day 4

3. A Brief History 3 Makeovers radio (1920s) television (late 1950s)
social media (2008+)
**Note the internet did NOT revolutionize voting or campaigning only fundraising (2004)
A Brief History
3 Makeovers

4. Campaign coverage empowers the electorate
-the electorate (voters) are informed about the candidates’ stances on issues.
-Television and social media are the two main sources of campaign information for all demographics.(Pew)
-Media attention on the election initially engages the electorate….but election fatigue can be a detriment.
#1: How should candidates counter this?

5. Social Media favors sound bites, not depth
Eg: “Put up a wall”; “kick out the Muslims”
Victims: Jeb Bush, Hillary Clinton in 2008
#2:How does this undermine the effectiveness of democracy?

6. Polls and the Media How do polls influence media coverage?
Consider these statistics: Polls in Nevada show Trump has a 78% chance of winning.
Polls in South Carolina show that Sanders has less than a 1% chance of winning.
#3: What are the likely impacts on media coverage of each man’s campaigns in these states?

7. Media vs. Social Media MEDIA -profit-motive: headlines
-some with political agenda
-subject to campaign laws
eg: equal time
SOCIAL MEDIA
-Content created by anyone
-misinformation possible
-broadly accessible (think uneducated)
-”interesting” content may get more exposure, distorting what is important.

8. Media Coverage and Voter Psychology
#4: Examine this data. How does this compare to voter results in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina?
For the data, write down two statements, 1 for 100 days and 1 for 7 days.
The Atlantic

9. #5: Given what we know about media coverage and the use of social media, is it the best candidate or best campaign that wins?

10. Shift: Making the ideal candidate Consider these polls from 2015