I am not quite sure what I think about this.
Television has been influential in United States presidential elections since the 1960's. But just what is this influence, and how has it affected who is elected? Has it made elections fairer and more accessible, or has it moved candidates from pursuing issues to pursuing image?
Would you defend or challenge the claim that television has had a positive impact on presidential elections?
I would challenge it. We seem to have had better presidents before "how you look on TV" and big-budget Big Lie character-smearing TV ad campaigns made the difference in who got elected, as well as the nomination process. The party conventions have become nothing more then chances for the two major parties to get free TV time and numb the populace with boring button-pushing speeches. The nominees are always determined beforehand.
Then there is the whole issue of the effect of biased reporting of Fox Cable News. That basically proves my point, in my opinion.
I agree with Drwls. Probably the fairest media information about candidates and elections came from newspapers and radio before the existence of TV. Nearly everyone who had electricity or a battery-powered radio could hear the candidates. Would Lincoln, with his homely face, or Franklin Roosevelt, in a wheel chair, have been elected if they'd been exposed to TV coverage?
I have this same promt for an essay tommorow!
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That's great! It sounds like you have a really interesting prompt for your essay. To help you gather information and form an argument, I would recommend taking the following steps:
1. Research historical examples: Look into specific presidential elections and their outcomes to understand how television influenced the campaigns and voting patterns. Focus on elections from the 1960s onwards, as the prompt mentions the influence of television during this period.
2. Study media coverage: Analyze how candidates have been portrayed on television. This can include examining campaign ads, televised debates, and news coverage. Look for evidence of image-driven politics and consider how this may have shifted the focus from issues to appearances.
3. Consider fairness and accessibility: Assess whether television has made elections fairer and more accessible. Look for data on voter turnout, the impact of televised debates, and the reach of political advertising on television. Evaluate whether these factors have led to greater inclusivity or if they have disproportionately benefited certain candidates or demographics.
4. Explore alternative viewpoints: The prompt suggests a challenge to the claim that television has had a positive impact on presidential elections. In your research, seek out diverse perspectives on this issue. Examine arguments that support the positive impact of television as well as those that question it.
5. Analyze the role of biased reporting: Investigate the impact of biased reporting, such as the example mentioned with Fox Cable News. Consider how media bias may influence public perception and ultimately affect election outcomes.
By conducting thorough research, considering various perspectives, and analyzing the evidence, you will be able to develop a well-supported argument for your essay. Good luck with your writing!