Nelson Chapter 8

Question 1

Elite perspectives on attributes Presidents need

Answer 1

1. Individual characteristics, comparison to other candidates
2. Working with policymakers/Congress
3. How their identities impact their decision making

Question 2

Qualities voters look for

Answer 2

1. Interpersonal warmth- quality of individual’s character
2. Accessibility- connection to voters/issues/party
3. Likability- well likable and impressive/kind
4. Outsider candidates- not political insiders, people’s person

Question 3

Dominance of “horse race” in campaign coverage

Answer 3

1. Who’s leading/why are the main concerns, mostly looks at character issues
2. Doesn’t assess plausible requirements for Presidential Performance

Question 4

What Presidential debates do/don’t reveal about candidates

Answer 4

1. Reveal public appearance and weakness in defending values

2. Don’t necessarily look at what they can feasibly do as President.

Question 5

Negative Trump traits

Answer 5

1. False statements
2. Crude insults against opponents/others
3. Ran businesses unethically for his own financial benefit
4. History of sexual assault allegations
5. Had racial/religious bigotry statements
6. Lacked experience in gov’t
7. Uninformed on issues
8. Casual policy positions
9. Made constitutional threats
10. Highly problematic personality traits

Question 6

Why some GOP was excited about Trump

Answer 6

1. Popularity with whites/working-class/immigration

2. Rejection of political correctness/left wing policies

Question 7

Why some GOP disliked Trump but tolerated him

Answer 7

1. Hated his negative attention directly to all Republicans

2. Tolerated as the best bet for success