Agenda-Setting and the Presidential Election Essay

Mike Smith COM-126 January 26, 2013 Tommy Hawk Agenda-Setting and the Presidential Election Elections of the past have had to rely on time consuming systems and procedures to compile information that would gauge the American attitude toward the political candidates and their respective platforms. The Presidential Election of 2012 has changed that system forever. This election came with state of the art technology that allowed live coverage of the endless campaigning followed by up to the minute input of American sentiment toward the policies and messages being marketed by both sides. These statistics helped in molding the individual parties platform and their message along with its delivery, or if they needed to change direction†¦show more content†¦The media also took note to Romney’s every slip and incorrect gesture, then revealed them over and over with commentary that was just as unappealing while America soaked it all in. It did not help Romney’s position when he added comments about the welfare system either. He failed to consider that approx imately 50% of households receive transfer benefits from the government. While being wealthy and proven to pay minimal taxes himself, comments about ‘who receives and who pays for government gifts’, came off as being hard-hearted’ (Mac Donald, H. 2012). Obama took aim at Romney’s ill-chosen comments and used them to change voter’s opinions in his favor. He quickly modified his speeches to confront the voters that receive welfare benefits and focused on the amenities they would lose if they did not vote him in for a 2nd term. Obama remained the leading contender among immigrants and single mothers, both sectors of which Romney pledged changes that would take place and not be in their favor. Many constituents started out as independent voters that swayed toward the conservative platform shared by republicans due to Romney’s political agenda and promises of reform. As the campaign dragged on, Romney consistently lost the mass appeal he began the race with. Media played a heavy part in helping Obama smear the opponent and may have won the election for him but certainly not by popularity, instead, perhaps due to the absence of urgentShow MoreRelatedAgenda Setting Theory Essay examples950 Words   |  4 PagesGl Final Exam Essay 2 1) Define and illustrate (i.e., give examples of) agenda-setting theory. How might a president try to use the media’s presumed agenda-setting powers near election time? In other words, might it behoove a president to take (or threaten to take) certain highly dramatic actions-especially concerning foreign affairs- just before an election that will impact strongly on the power of his/her political party? 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