Emotions, Leadership Assessment, and Vote Choice

Abstract

Chapter 3 introduces the place of emotions across major behavioral decisions and attitudinal judgments. Using a nationally representative survey, Erisen begins with an overall analysis of emotional reactions to Turkey’s current track and to the most important problems defined by the public. The effects of these evaluations are next tested with regard to people’s assessments of leadership charisma and quality. The analysis in this chapter focuses on President Erdogan and the leaders of the four political parties in the parliament as to how emotions raised by these political figures influence political judgments in general. The chapter finishes by investigating the specific influences of anger, anxiety, and enthusiasm on political attitudes, issue preferences, and vote choice.