American Presidential Election and Television

Since the 1960s television has had increasing influence in politics.  This influence has damaged the political system of America. News stations have turned presidents into celebrities in their quest for ratings. Political figures are forced to pay more attention to their appearance than to the country’s problems. Millions of Americans are now influenced by news stations that do not want to enlighten the public but rather have high ratings. Television has hurt more than it has helped this country choose a president.

As television has increased in popularity politicians have been forced to concentrate more on their appearance and less on political issues. During the first televised presidential debate, those who listened on the radio and those who watched on television had two different reactions. Those who watched on television felt Kennedy, who had better makeup and posture had won. People who listened to the debate on the radio did not see Nixon’s pale face and felt he was the victor (Source C). Those who saw the debate had different opinions because of the candidates’ appearances. When looking for someone to lead a nation appearance should not be as important as ideology. Television evolved to the point that political figures are similar to celebrities. In 1992, Clinton discussed his underwear with the American public (Source B). This would never have happened before the age of television. Information such as this distracts the public from more important issues that the president should be focusing on.  As political figures are transformed into celebrities that must focus on appearance rather than politics the nation suffers. The president should be judged by the decisions he makes, not by what he wears. Televisions have unfortunately increased the importance of appearance, and decreased the importance of politics in presidential elections.

The stations broadcasting political information are not looking to inform the public, they are looking for high ratings. News stations will do whatever they can in order to get more viewers. This means that the public will often be misinformed when they watch television.  Television shows such as Nightline edit large segments into small, interesting bits that will attract viewers (Source F). The first Republican presidential debate was cut from ninety minutes to three or four by this news show. The candidates could easily be misunderstood by the public after being so narrowly edited. The little of the debate that was left was most likely aimed at gaining viewership. This means that what the public saw was exciting but probably didn’t show the candidates viewpoints. Presidential candidates would not have gotten their points across and might have been misunderstood due to televised presidential debates.

With so many people watching television, newscasters become extremely influential. The well known names in news become extremely powerful. As millions of Americans watch only a few newscasters, they gain a power over the public. Whatever newscasters say is widely believed and largely influences the public. In the 1960s Walter Cronkite had tremendous control over the American public. (Source E) He was one of the most trusted names in news and whatever he said most of the public believed. When Cronkite reported on that Vietnam had been a failure it ended Lyndon Johnson’s chance at reelection. Cronkite’s power could have been used to elect or destroy any presidential candidate. It is not right for one man to have so much power over the public. With television’s influence came extreme power in the hands of a small number of newscasters. A small number of newscasters should not be able to control the outcome of presidential elections, however, this is now a problem because of television.

Televisions have had a terrible impact on presidential elections. Presidential candidates are now judged on their appearance instead of the issues they are debating. Candidates’ viewpoints can be misconstrued when news stations edit debates in order to get more viewers. What a small number of newscasters states often influences the votes of millions. Television has in a way destroyed presidential elections.