Abstract
Much research questions the president’s ability to lead public opinion. Yet most of this research does not directly assess how news coverage might influence presidential leadership of public opinion. If presidents can affect the tone of news coverage, then presidents may be able to indirectly lead public opinion. We argue that public exposure to the president’s policy positions through news media increases public access to the president’s positions. This exposure increases the president’s influence over public opinion. To examine whether the tone of presidential rhetoric affects the tone of news coverage and public opinion, we analyze an original dataset of presidential speeches, media coverage, and public opinion on Iraq from 1990-2008. Our findings suggest that analysis of presidential leadership of public opinion should carefully consider indirect leadership effects through the media. Doing so may lead to more favorable assessments of the president’s ability to influence public opinion through speechmaking.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
