Technology's Influence On Presidential Elections

THE influence of technology on the United States presidential elections is an on going debate among candidates and voters. "Has technology, such as the television, made elections more accessible, or has it moved candidates from pursuing issues, to pursuing image?" Television has pressured presidential candidates to succeed in the presentation of their image, instead of pursuing issues important to the well being of America, as a democratic nation. IN the past several decades, the country has seen some presidents win second terms by margins previously believed to be unattainable, yet has witnessed defeats of more incumbents then at any time in our national history. These outcomes are directly related to the presence of television and to the changing nature of the men in office. Source B addresses this subject, "because of television's sense of intimacy, the American people feel they know their presidents as persons and hence no longer feel the need for party guidance." DURING presidential elections in the United States, it has become customary for the main candidates to engage in a debate. The topics discussed in the debate are often the most controversial issues of the
Jefferson quoted, "The basis of our government being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right." But doesn't television completely contradict Jefferson's intentions for America, by implanting incorrect information in our minds? Source F explains the mindset of newscasters while putting together a political commercial. "…aim for the lowest common denominator, thereby assuring ourselves of the largest possible audience but producing nothing but cotton candy for the mind.