0007 The Media in American Political Life (SMR 4.7)

Question 1

What early media showed the power of the media in politics?

Answer 1

• The Federalist papers mobilized states to ratify constitution
• Print media organized people to move West in early 19th century (Horatio Alger’s stories in newspapers about “manifest destiny”)
• Newspaper support for Spanish American War the Civil War and both World Wars influenced support for wars and created newspaper conglomerates like Hearst & Pulitzer

Question 2

What importance did radio have on public life and politics?

Answer 2

By the 20th Century, radio was in every car and in every home.

FDR’s “Fireside Chats”, a turning point in how America interacted with govt, he showed up every week on the radio to talk and reassure people during Great Depression and WWII, reason he was elected four times

Question 3

What is an example of how TV has impacted public life and politics?

Answer 3

Nixon-Kennedy televised debate created a negative image of Nixon, he was not as appealing on television, not as clean cut or all american as JFK

Question 4

How have public officials and political candidates used media to further their own causes?

Answer 4

Late night talk shows, Sarah Palin taking part in SNL to appeal to young voters, ESPN covering Obama’s March Madness bracket

Question 5

The media has shown a tendency towards ______ political reports

Answer 5

biased

Question 6

Today, the media _____, _____ and is _____ by government officials

Answer 6

Supports, attacks, manipulated

Question 7

How has the internet played into media and politics?

Answer 7

Internet as a major news source; bloggers, small newspapers take part in op-eds and candidates taking part in social media

i.e. Obama having a Facebook page and Trump having a twitter