Talking Policy in Congressional Campaigns: Construction of Policy Narratives in Electoral Politics

Abstract

The construction of narratives to influence policy decisions has garnered increased scholarly attention over the past decade as use of the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) has expanded in the policy literature. However, we do not know whether policy narratives as defined by the NPF are present in electoral communications or whether there are significant differences in construction of such narratives. Narratives from both Republican and Democratic campaigns in 48 U.S. House campaigns are analyzed in this study, using an automated coding approach to determine whether policy narratives also exist within electoral campaigns, whether they hold similar structures, and whether there are significant differences according to candidate characteristics. We find that electoral policy narratives do hold consistent form and two significant narrative differences exist: (1) policy issues discussed vary based on candidate characteristics such as gender and political affiliation; and (2) character portrayal varies based on party affiliation and gender of the candidate.Related ArticlesCrow, Deserai A., Lydia A. Lawhon, John Berggren, Juhi Huda, Elizabeth Koebele, and Adrianne Kroepsch. 2017. “A Narrative Policy Framework Analysis of Wildfire Policy Discussions in two Colorado Communities.” Politics & Policy 45 (4): 626‐656. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12207Ertas, Nevbahar. 2015. “Policy Narratives and Public Opinion Concerning Charter Schools.” Politics & Policy 43 (3): 426‐451. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12120Shanahan, Elizabeth A., Mark K. McBeth, and Paul L. Hathaway. 2011. “Narrative Policy Framework: The Influence of Media Policy Narrative on Public Opinion.” Politics & Policy 39 (3): 373‐400. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2011.00295.x