Question 1

Write an essay in which you analyze the candidate schemas deployed by the media to understand Trump and Biden in the 2020 election. What were the core features of these candidate schemas, and how did they play out over the course of the election?

Accepted Answer

In the 2020 election, the media deployed candidate schemas to understand and portray both Trump and Biden. These candidate schemas were constructed based on the core features and characteristics of each candidate, and they played a significant role in shaping public perception and influencing voter attitudes.

The candidate schema for Trump was largely centered around his brash and unconventional style, his focus on immigration and border security, and his "America First" agenda. The media often portrayed Trump as a disruptor, someone who challenged the political establishment and was unafraid to speak his mind. This schema also emphasized his controversial statements and actions, as well as his confrontational approach to politics. Over the course of the election, this schema played out in the way Trump was covered by the media, with a focus on his rallies, tweets, and public appearances, as well as his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial justice protests.

On the other hand, the candidate schema for Biden emphasized his experience and stability, his empathy and compassion, and his focus on unity and healing. The media often portrayed Biden as a unifier, someone who could bring the country together and restore a sense of normalcy and decency to the White House. This schema also highlighted his long political career, his personal tragedies, and his commitment to progressive policies. Throughout the election, this schema played out in the way Biden was covered by the media, with a focus on his policy proposals, his interactions with voters, and his efforts to contrast himself with Trump's divisive rhetoric and leadership style.

Overall, the candidate schemas deployed by the media played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of the 2020 election and influencing public opinion. They framed the candidates in specific ways, highlighting their core features and characteristics, and shaping the way they were perceived by the public. These schemas also influenced the issues and topics that dominated the election discourse, as well as the strategies and tactics employed by the candidates themselves. In this way, the candidate schemas deployed by the media had a significant impact on the outcome of the 2020 election.

Question 2

Apply one or several of the key media storylines/narratives to one of the primary candidates in the 2020 election besides Trump and Biden. How were these storylines used by the media to describe the candidate you selected?

Accepted Answer

One of the primary candidates in the 2020 election besides Trump and Biden is Bernie Sanders. The media used several key storylines/narratives to describe Sanders throughout the election. One of the main narratives was his progressive platform and his advocacy for policies such as Medicare for All, free college tuition, and a $15 minimum wage. The media often portrayed Sanders as a champion for the working class and a disruptor of the political establishment.

Another narrative used by the media to describe Sanders was his age and health. At 78 years old during the election, there were concerns about his ability to serve as president for a full term. The media often discussed his health and age in comparison to other candidates, raising questions about his fitness for the presidency.

Additionally, the media also focused on Sanders' grassroots movement and the enthusiasm of his supporters. They highlighted his ability to mobilize young voters and his strong fundraising efforts, portraying him as a candidate with a dedicated and passionate base.

Overall, the media used these storylines to paint a picture of Bernie Sanders as a progressive, outsider candidate with a strong base of support, but also with potential concerns about his age and health.

Question 3

The press storyline in which a candidate's poll ratings or nomination victories increase sharply, resulting in an increase in favorability in news stories is known as:&#10;A) The electability narrative&#10;B) The exceeding expectations narrative&#10;C) The frontrunner storyline&#10;D) The bandwagon storyline&#10;E) The candidate schema narrative

Accepted Answer

The bandwagon storyline refers to the phenomenon where a candidate's success in polls or nominations leads to increased media favorability, creating a perception of momentum and encouraging more support.

Question 4

The press storyline in which reporters develop mental frameworks to organization information about candidates is known as:&#10;A) The electability narrative&#10;B) The exceeding expectations narrative&#10;C) The frontrunner storyline&#10;D) The bandwagon storyline&#10;E) The candidate schema narrative

Accepted Answer

The candidate schema narrative refers to the mental frameworks or schemas that reporters develop to organize and interpret information about political candidates. These schemas influence how journalists perceive, prioritize, and present information about candidates to the public.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a reason that reliable, scientific polls sometimes fail to predict presidential elections with precision?&#10;A) Low response rate to polls&#10;B) Difficulty in replacing respondents who decline to be interviewed with demographically-equivalent individuals&#10;C) Social desirability effects may influence what individuals report&#10;D) Polls fail to focus on likely voters&#10;E) Unexpected events can change voters' decisions late in the campaign

Accepted Answer

Polls often specifically aim to focus on likely voters to improve their accuracy, so failing to focus on likely voters is not a common reason for their failure to predict election outcomes accurately.

Deck 13: Political News, Polls, and the Presidential Campaign