The Effects of Presidential Debates and the Media on Character Perception
Open Access
Author:
Kashubski, Sarah Marie
Area of Honors:
Political Science
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Dr. Michael Barth Berkman, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Michael Barth Berkman, Thesis Supervisor Eric Plutzer, Faculty Reader Dr. Michael Barth Berkman, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
presidential debates 2004 campaign media character perception
Abstract:
This thesis examines the effects of the presidential debates and media on character perception in the 2004 presidential campaign. Through an analysis of National Annenberg Election Survey Debates Panel data, debates were found to matter more than network news, cable news, and newspapers. Network news was shown to affect character perception, while cable news and newspapers held no influence. Talk radio affects character perception more than the debates.
