Red Tie vs. Blue Tie
Television, while a diminishing advertising method, is still an extremely influential medium used to convince voters and influence them to align with a certain candidate. Television is most effective because it reveals a candidate’s true charisma and personal appeal. Dating back to 1960 and the first ever televised debate (also known as the ‘Great Debates’), Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy took turns, in front 70 million U.S. viewers, debating important domestic issues (Minow and Sloan 5).
While the two argued back and forth, it was Kennedy’s image and persona that ultimately won the votes of television viewers. Many say it was because he opted to wear make-up unlike Nixon, and also because he looked straight into the camera, like he was looking at every person at home in the eye (Minow and Sloan 6). Others say it was because his suit was a solid black color, while Nixon wore a gray color to match the background. Generally, Kennedy was unscripted and more groomed for television, while Nixon was much more prepared on the radio (Minow and Sloan 6).
Since then candidates have used the television medium to convey their personal appeal to voters. Every fall before an election, candidates make their rounds visiting the late night shows with David Letterman and Jay Leno. They visit “Sunday Morning” and make appearances on television cable networks, like Comedy Central and MTV, in hopes of reaching as many outlets as possible, conveying their message, and attracting more voters (Griffith 2).
Television also broadcasts presidential debates, which are critical means for the candidates to educate the public; however, “given that media coverage can be driven by commercial pressures,” it may be heartening to know that voters are unlikely to make their decisions based exclusively on it (Griffith 3). “One of the paradoxes of the media, in the political process, is that the media matter tremendously and yet the media matter less than they think they do. The media have power, but not as much power as the individual” (Griffith 3). Television, like any media, has significant yet limited power in people’s final decision.
Sources:
Griffith, Vive. "The Influence of Media in Presidential Politics." University of Texas (2004): 1-6. 31 Oct. 2006.
Minow, Newton N., and Clifford M. Sloan. For Great Debates: A New Plan for Future Presidential Debates. New York: Priority Press, 1987.
Television, while a diminishing advertising method, is still an extremely influential medium used to convince voters and influence them to align with a certain candidate. Television is most effective because it reveals a candidate’s true charisma and personal appeal. Dating back to 1960 and the first ever televised debate (also known as the ‘Great Debates’), Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy took turns, in front 70 million U.S. viewers, debating important domestic issues (Minow and Sloan 5).
While the two argued back and forth, it was Kennedy’s image and persona that ultimately won the votes of television viewers. Many say it was because he opted to wear make-up unlike Nixon, and also because he looked straight into the camera, like he was looking at every person at home in the eye (Minow and Sloan 6). Others say it was because his suit was a solid black color, while Nixon wore a gray color to match the background. Generally, Kennedy was unscripted and more groomed for television, while Nixon was much more prepared on the radio (Minow and Sloan 6).
Since then candidates have used the television medium to convey their personal appeal to voters. Every fall before an election, candidates make their rounds visiting the late night shows with David Letterman and Jay Leno. They visit “Sunday Morning” and make appearances on television cable networks, like Comedy Central and MTV, in hopes of reaching as many outlets as possible, conveying their message, and attracting more voters (Griffith 2).
Television also broadcasts presidential debates, which are critical means for the candidates to educate the public; however, “given that media coverage can be driven by commercial pressures,” it may be heartening to know that voters are unlikely to make their decisions based exclusively on it (Griffith 3). “One of the paradoxes of the media, in the political process, is that the media matter tremendously and yet the media matter less than they think they do. The media have power, but not as much power as the individual” (Griffith 3). Television, like any media, has significant yet limited power in people’s final decision.
Sources:
Griffith, Vive. "The Influence of Media in Presidential Politics." University of Texas (2004): 1-6. 31 Oct. 2006
Minow, Newton N., and Clifford M. Sloan. For Great Debates: A New Plan for Future Presidential Debates. New York: Priority Press, 1987.
posted by Christopher DeSanto at 10:36 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home