Does the Media Affect Politics?

2 Pages 580 Words

There is probably no greater influence on the American society than the media. Because of it, we have witnessed countless historical events: Inaugurations of presidents; man’s first steps on the moon; the assassination of John F. Kennedy; we even witnessed the second plane crashing into the World Trade Tower on September 11. Americans watch TV in the morning to receive the daily news. They watch it while they eat, and they watch it before they go to bed, but does television and the media actually have an affect on political elections?
The media has an arguable hold on the politics of this nation. Many attribute Kennedy’s victory in the close election of 1960 to the presentation he made in two televised debates in the final months of his campaign. The media has the ability to control the way a nation can think as well as the way a nation can vote. Most Americans hold dear the precious first amendment right of free speech, but with that right comes certain obligations.
Since there is an ever increasing number of media coverage in politics today, the person running for office has to do and say things that look good on television in order to win. Years ago, the only way people could find out about candidates and the issues they stood for was by reading a newspaper or listening to the radio. These are forms of media, but since the invention of the television it seems that there are more broadcasters shoving their opinions into peoples minds.
With almost all American homes owning at least one television, a candidate must possess a good personality, plans, and ideas. Now, more than ever, Americans place excessive importance on appearance. This means that a candidate has to appear successful, competent, and confident. Candidates have to appeal to the public as much as possible, and they have to appear comfortable on camera. However, a candidate’s appearance is not the only thing which plays a major role in winning an election.
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