1. By Tim Arakelian

2. Question In the 1990’s presidential election campaigns have become more candidate centered and less focused on issues and party labels. This change has been attributed both to how media cover presidential campaigns and to how candidates us the media. Identify and explain two ways in which the media have contributed to candidate-centered presidential campaigns. Identify and explain in which two ways presidential candidates’ use of the media has contributed to candidate-centered campaigns.

3. Media on candidate-centered campaigns Coverage of background of candidate Image-centered coverage/ personality Talk shows, TV debates Horserace, reporting polls Candidate sound bites De-emphasizing party Feeding frenzy Coverage of convention Investigative reporting/ scandals Focus on candidate gaffes

4. Explanation of two Coverage of background of candidate- Covering the background of the candidate would give the population an overview of where the candidate is coming from, and is a personal look on the candidate and who they are as a person. Talk shows, TV debates- By going on TV for debates and radio for talk shows, the candidate makes an appearance, and makes a statement on the different issues, which can lead to stepping out of party lines on different issues, making it more a more candidate centralized campaign.

5. CANDIDATES' use of the media has contributed to candidate-centered campaigns Negative commercials/mudslinging Attention-getting: public appearances to enhance public attention to individual qualities; timing of candidate activities to make free news coverage Seeking contributions Leaking information Image building : positive ads; hiring consultants; TV debates that focus on individual appearance/qualities; getting on talk shows Candidate creating choreographed opportunities Use of Internet to disseminate information Sound bites

6. Explanation Attention-getting- By taking advantage of media moments in the press, the presidential candidates can get more publicity for their race and show the public who they are. Seeking contributions- Candidates can use the media to make commercials, ads, etc. to get contributions from supporters.