Synthesis Essay on Effects of Television on Presidential Elections

For decades the American public has relied on television to broadcast the “correct” opinions and to inform them of what they should believe. Americans have become so dependent on television, that many individuals such as political parties and TV Networks have used this to their advantage. Modern discussion on the use of television in the political arena has proven that television has had a detrimental impact on the presidential election process because more TV Networks broadcast the presidential debates now than ever due to its massive influence, it has become a competition of who is attractive, and in reality the words of trustworthy, well-known people are taken more into consideration than the one’s of actual candidates.
As elections pass, more and more attention is being put on the looks of individuals rather than on their words and beliefs. When John F. Kennedy ran for president against Richard M. Nixon, it is said that he was immensely victorious in the debates, and this was “largely a triumph of image over content.” (Menand) He didn’t necessarily speak the most convincing words; he just looked more attractive on everyone’s television screens. Television companies are aware of their great influence, which is why more networks broadcast the presidential debates now than ever. Recently, five news companies broadcast the presidential debates compared to three in the 1960’s. (Chart) Why has this number increased? It is due to American’s opinions and judgment being so easily swayed by the appearances of others, television has transformed the presidential election process into a “competition for images or between images” instead of one “between ideals.” (Menand)
What a person has to say about themselves doesn’t even matter anymore in the world. How one is viewed by other individuals can be solely based on what another person who has “more authority with the American people” has to say. (Ranney) For instance, President Lyndon Johnson ran for reelection,

Cited: Adapted from Nielsen Tunes into Politics: Tracking the Presidential Election Years (1960-1992). New York: Nielsen Media Research, 1994. Menand, Louis. “Masters of the Matrix: Kennedy, Nixon, and the Culture of the Image.” The New Yorker. 5 Jan. 2004. Ranney, Austin. Channels of Power: The Impact of Television on American Politics. New York: Basic Books, 1983. Print.