As we learn about how social media impacts candidates, a lot of people assume that negative media is something that always hurts candidates. In reality, there are many scenarios where this is not the case and it can have no impact at all. In particular, the 2016 presidential election comes to mind. Weeks before the election a tape was released where Donald Trump spoke (NSFW) about the perks of being a star and how he can do whatever he wants to women. The comments made sparked an outrage by many and a lot of people though that it may cost him the election. Another example that comes to mind is former President George W. Bush. President bush was arrested for a DUI. He was asked about it days before the election and had to confirm the accuracy of the story. Both of these candidates went on to win their respective open seat elections and become president. Time and time again it is seen that the baggage of politicians often doesn't matter as much as many people think that it does. It may influence some voters but ultimately it motivates the party from which they claim to get out even more. They feel as if their candidates are being attacked and they need to make sure that they get out and vote. It will be interesting to see the decades to come. Smartphones have changed the political game. They cannot hide their misdeeds like they once could and it will be interesting to see how that impacts candidates.
Generational Gap
Media usage continues to increase while the forms of media are ever changing and increasingly advanced. I think it is interesting ...
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As we learn about how social media impacts candidates, a lot of people assume that negative media is something that always hurts candidates...
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As we are seeing now, campaigns are spending a lot of money on TV Advertising. We are especially seeing advertisements for the senate and g...
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Media usage continues to increase while the forms of media are ever changing and increasingly advanced. I think it is interesting ...
Samuel,
ReplyDeleteWhen reading this blog post the phrase, 'any publicity is good publicity' comes to mind. Especially during Trump's campaigns, it seemed that anyway his name was in the news was a positive thing. He, his team, and his supporters could turn any publicity into good publicity. With the rise of social media and today's 24-hour news cycle, it is increasingly important that candidates understand how to use social media to their advantage. I think that Trump was the first president to use social media to its fullest extent, even though this did not end up going very well for him. I think it will be interesting going forward to see if candidates continue to use this precedent or try to generate only positive news.
Trump being a former reality T.V host is a master at manipulating the media for his own personal gain. He thrives off chaos and many of his "shot from the hip" gaffes that would ultimately ruin other politicians careers will not hurt him because he did not cultivate the image of "good and wholesome" and that's why his supporters love him. As what he said in an interview "I can stand in the middle of the street and shoot people and still get elected" that's the extent of his immunity. As a person who had both parents who voted for Trump the idea that Trump is this radical rebel who ultimately fights for a good cause against the evil phoney-balooney establishment is what keeps them coming back. They justify all of the things he does and buy into all the lies he sells. To them Trump is a flawed human being who is being used for God for good works. So, yes, the country should not be shocked that people like my parents make up a good portion of the population.
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