Studies the development of a political ideology that draws on the resources of myth. Analyzes how Pat Robertson's concepts of apocalyptic fulfillment provided an ideological basis for his 1988 presidential campaign, but resulted in significant rhetorical problems. Finds that the transformation in Robertson's apocalyptic vision stemmed from his…

Contributes to research regarding the impact of news media on presidential elections. Performs a content analysis of photographs of Bill Clinton and Bob Dole in five major newspapers. Rejects the conclusions of "liberal bias" in the press coverage of presidential campaigns, arguing instead for the presence of a strategic bias benefitting…

Discusses how political parties select presidential candidates focusing on the roles of party leaders, activities, supporters, and campaign contributors. Discusses the history of presidential nominations focusing on how the present system evolved. Reviews a particular reform proposal called the Delaware Plan that intends to stop the front loading…

A study examined the differences between how men and women respond to expert political analysis of political debates and the extremeness of traits attributed to the candidates. Subjects, 30 males and 45 females enrolled in courses at the College of Journalism and Communication of the University of Florida in the fall of 1988, viewed the live…

Two factors during the 1988 presidential campaign were largely responsible for the erosion of "women's issues" and the so-called "gender gap"--the perception that a candidate is unattractive to women voters. This perception is thought to be based upon the candidate's stand on issues such as abortion, day care and the Equal…

A study examined the source of important voter perceptions during the 1984 presidential election and their impact on the choice between Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale--specifically perceptions involving the effects of either a Reagan or a Mondale victory on the American economy. The origins of these economic perceptions were sought in…

Provides support for the generalization that media use indirectly affects voting confidence. Also indicates that newspaper reading increases the probability of viewing television news, but that TV news viewing has little or no effect on probability of reading newspapers. (NKA)

Analyzes the commentary on the 1984 U.S. vice-presidential debate between G. Ferraro and G. Bush. Suggests that verbal references to the quantity and quality of emotion differed according to whether or not the observer politically favored the candidate. (NKA)

Responses to four questions by 13 presidential candidates in a survey by the Council on Competitiveness is presented. Four questions covered financing college education, training and retraining, federal research and development programs, and federal support of science and technology. (MLW)

Builds on multidisciplinary research on framing, motivation, and decision making to examine the relationships among media frames, individual interpretations of issues, and voter decision making. Shows how two groups, evangelical Christians and undergraduates, responded to simulated newspaper articles on election candidates. Finds that media frames…

Examines the performances of Geraldine Ferraro and George Bush in the nationally televised vice-presidential debate in 1984 to determine differences in female and male patterns of communication concerning issues and decision-making. Suggests that rhetorical critics examine whether a masculine ethic has framed their analyses. (KEH)

Presents the results of a survey of child care directors. Clinton and Perot were the top vote getters among directors of nonprofit and for-profit centers, respectively. Also includes directors' comments on Bush and Clinton, statements by Bush and Clinton on education, and tables showing the results of the poll. (SM)

Black educational objectives will only be achieved if elected officials come to respect the power of an organized black vote. Suggests some ways in which black voters can put pressure on candidates to support policies, including those affecting higher education, favored by a majority of blacks. (SLD)

Provides background information on the election of 1876 between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden and how it was disputed over electoral votes. Includes copies of the electoral ballot from Louisiana that was rejected and a letter from William Kellogg, the Republican governor of Louisiana. (CMK)

In this article, the author discusses how to teach the 2006 elections in middle or high school social studies and provides ways and some websites for social studies teachers at all grade levels to help teach about the 2006 midterm elections. One way to teach about the midterm elections would be to develop individual or group assignments that focus…