The Relationship between Presidential Approval and Media Coverage of First Families: A Content Analysis, 1960-2004
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15763/issn.2374-7781.2007.28.0.229-247Abstract
Presidential popularity is often considered a political resource. As a result, polls regularly address presidential approval. Using a content analysis of newspaper articles from the beginning of the Kennedy administration through the conclusion of the first George W. Bush administration, this study examines the relationship between first ladies and first children and presidential approval. Our findings suggest that presidents and first ladies are not necessarily evaluated independently of each other and that the media coverage of presidential children can be both political assets and liabilities to their fathers. Our study, therefore, establishes a foundation and need for future studies pertaining to individuals with close ties to the president.References
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