The US Presidential Election 2012 - Term Paper Example

Presidential Election Combined with the prior re-elections of Bush and Clinton, the victory of Obama marks the second time that three successive American presidents have attained re-election. The media coverage was a bit biased to one candidate. Mitt Romney’s media overage was particularly negative in the final election days. A final gush of positive media coverage drove President Obama in the final two weeks of the race to the presidency, whereas Mitt Romney’s coverage remained, not only negative, but also narrowed down in volume. This was probably for the reason that news outlets transferred their attention to the recent Super storm sandy (Www.latimes.com). On the 31st of October, 2011, the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) announced 4 debates for the United State’s presidential general election. These debates were scheduled for various locations around the U.S. in October 2012. Three of this debate involving the presidential nominees from the majority party. Four crucial debates were held all through the final campaigning weeks: one vice presidential and three presidential (Www.latimes.com). First presidential debate on domestic policy was carried out on Wednesday, October 3. The moderator of this debate was Jim Lehrer of PBS, and it was held in Magness Arena, Colorado. Both candidates were given a chance for an opening statement. There were six 15 minute sections, with Jim Lehrer introducing a matter and giving each candidate two minutes, and about 8 minutes and 45 seconds of aided discussion between the two presidential candidates, with both candidates getting equal time. The performance of Jim Lehrer’s performance was criticized for repeatedly letting the candidates speak over their stipulated time limits. Both presidential candidates spoke in the presence of a podium. The segments were on job creation and the economy, entitlements, the federal deficit and the candidate’s differences on Social Security. They were also on the Affordable Care Act and health care, the federal U.S. government’s mission and role the, and dealing with gridlock and governing in presidential systems. Second presidential debate took place at David S. Mack Exhibition and Sports Complex. It was moderated by CNNs Candy Crowley. This debate followed the format of town hall, with a group of voters who were non-committed asking the candidates questions, after which, follow-up questions would be asked by the moderator. This debate dealt with domestic affairs. It also incorporated some elements in foreign policy, unlike the first debate. Third presidential debate occurred on 22nd of October, inside World Performing Arts Centre. It was moderated by CBSs Bob Schieffer. Even though, this third debate was supposed to major on only foreign policy, the two candidates managed to fit one or two issues on domestic policy, such as the federal deficit, creation of job, and education into it. The media took good coverage on these proceedings as they transpired. It made it possible for every American and the world at large, to see them. On the 6th of November, a survey of 59 news channels established that Romney got significantly more negative opinion and coverage, both in the period dating back to the nominating conferences, and at the conclusion of the campaign, commencing in late August. There were a lot of amplified positive coverage and impressions of the President Obama that started with surveys that trended in his direction. These conclusions were arrived at by measuring statements value in radio stores, television, Internet and newspaper. Networks on National television reach almost 99 percent of all homes in American, making contacts across the whole socioeconomic spectrum. Television and radio talk shows, internet sites, news magazines, and newspapers all supply voters with information regarding presidential candidates. The emphasis and content of media coverage are among the most influential factors that determine how voters perceive the issues and the candidates. As a means of communicating more directly to and with voters, presidential candidates usually buy radio and television advertising time. The election of 2004 was the first in which Internet played a decisive role as a medium for raising money and for campaigning. Howard Dean collected more funds than his Democratic primaries opponents and got favorable media coverage for illustrating Internet’s political power. Presidential candidates usually try to make news that they expect the media will cover. This may be the announcement of a new plan on voters’ issue of interest or an appearance at a location that is symbolic. A present president has a benefit here, because what the he does makes news all the time -- whether it is a meeting with foreign States’ Heads, the signing of a ceremonial bill, or visiting an area which faced a natural disaster. Social media, on the other hand, creates practical opportunities for citizen deliberation and feedback. Although most prominent media outlets maintained that the election was too close to make predictions on the winner in advance, analysts had Obama as the favorite candidate to win. The nominees for the Democratic Party were President Obama, and VP Joe Biden, who was his running mate. They were both elected to a second subsequent term. Their major opponents were the nominees from the Republican Party, the former governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, and his running mate, Wisconsin’s Paul Ryan. The Republican platform was approved during the Republican National Convention. It was widely noted that it represented a right shift for the party. The Romney campaign mostly depended on outside analytic organizations and focused more on using data to create messages that were persuasive. Romney used rallies in an attempt of persuading voters in major states. Mitt Romney tried to persuade voters that the policies of President Obama had never worked, and that, he instead, should be elected to complete recovery of the nation’s economic. Democratic Party’s platform, on the other hand supported same-sex marriage for the first time. The Party also confirmed the party's support for rights to abortion. The platform of the Democrats echoed some promises that were made in the version of 2008, including rights to collective bargaining, climate change legislation and comprehensive immigration reform. The Democratic part demanded the extending of tax cuts to middle class citizens while asking the richest corporations and individuals to "pay their fair share." The Democratic Party sent links to people living in United States so that they could register on time. The Obama campaign ran a website called VoteForChange.com, which allowed individuals to request an absentee ballot, or register to vote. Or confirm if they are already registered. President Obama furthermore enlisted the assistance of his grassroots volunteers’ army in the war with Republican Congress members over the economic cliff. The Obama campaign also used random control trials in an attempt to attain victory. The Democrats had a crucial competitive edge: they used RCTs, whereas the Republicans did not use them. President Obama also applied new voter science, and managed to shoved enough replacements within key states — most of who were first-time or rare voters — to give him his victory margin. The Romney and Obama campaigns, plus affiliated groups, asked their supporters to give access to their Facebook profiles and those of other social networks, so as to have connections with voters in the combat zone states like Ohio, North Carolina and Colorado (Jarvisslacks.com). Works cited Rainey, James. "Did Romney deserve the negative media coverage he received? - latimes.com." Los Angeles Times - California, national and world news - latimes.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Dec. 2012. . "Democrats Seize Supermajority and Pass Prop 30." California Election Results 2012 LIVE. policy mic, 8 Nov. 2012. Web. 5 Dec. 2012. . "Both Romney and President Obama Use Fallacies. Here’s How. « THE EDUCATION OF JARVIS SLACKS." THE EDUCATION OF JARVIS SLACKS. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2012. . Read More