The media has always played a pivotal role in politics, but an oft overlooked one. However, it is only within the past century that the ability to manipulate and play into aspects of the media has been a strong platform for a Presidential candidate. With the recent election of Donald J. Trump to the presidency, I decided to take a look at the historical record of Presidents, how they approached media, and what aspects they attempted to capitalize on in order to appeal to voters. In this vein, I hoped to understand the context of the media and elections, and allow for a deeper understanding going forward as to what role a given form of communication plays in the public’s minds.

 

With these events in mind, I would argue that the ability to adapt to the larger form of media and play to its strengths was critical in not only the election of Donald Trump. Past Presidents used television and its radical changes relative to the telegraph or radio, but today’s Presidents also need to account for internet exposure in conjunction with that. With that in mind, it makes it easier to see why Trump’s campaign was successful in spite of the nature of his platform.

Works Cited

The Living Room Candidate – Commercials – 1952 – Ike for President. 03 May 2017.

Schroeder, Robert. “Trump has gotten nearly $3 billion in ‘free’ advertising.” MarketWatch. 06 May 2016. Web. 01 May 2017.

The Living Room Candidate – Commercials – 1964 – Peace Little Girl (Daisy).Web. 03 May 2017.