Gaffe Coverage: Jackson Tops Gramm
Statements by two non-candidates steered the campaign narrative last week, but Jesse Jackson’s derogatory remarks about Obama drew more media attention than did Phil Gramm’s remarks about whiny America.
Media Heat Wave
A week of negative election storylines was led by the shake-up in the McCain campaign, Gen. Wesley Clark’s comments and questions of patriotism. Thanks in part to his staffing reshuffle, McCain was competitive with Obama in coverage for the first time since Obama clinched his nomination.
Summer Rerun: Media Returns to Coverage of Divided Democrats
While differences between Barack Obama and John McCain over energy policy played a major role, most of the campaign narrative focused on Democrats’ efforts to reunite the party.
The Spouse and the President Get Their Media Close-ups
A key narrative in last week’s campaign focused not on Barack Obama and John McCain themselves, but on two people whose public roles reflect crucial challenges facing the candidates–Michelle Obama and George Bush.
Clinton Question Drives Coverage
While Obama’s primary win gave him the edge in quantity of coverage, Clinton was the driving force in a media narrative that focused largely on what she would do next.
Media Pivot to November, Iraq Debate
Campaign coverage was split time last week between the dramatic Democratic primary endgame and the developing general election debate between McCain and Obama on the war in Iraq.
Mac’s Back in Media Spotlight
After largely being treated as a bystander to the Democrats’ contest, the GOP nominee emerged as a featured player in campaign coverage. But that exposure is not always wanted or positive attention.
Edwards Rewrites the Election Story Line
In embracing Obama less than 24 hours after Clinton’s big win in West Virginia, Edwards diverted media attention away from discussion of renewed Clinton momentum and helped refocused the narrative on Obama’s apparent inevitability.
Media Know Who It’s “Gonna Be”
In a campaign with more twists than a Twilight Zone episode, the media all but officially pronounced Obama the Democratic nominee last week.
The Wright Stuff: Obama’s Pastor Corrals Campaign Coverage
Last week, as Obama’s controversial minister re-emerged into full public view, the controversy he generated made more news than either Hillary Clinton or John McCain.
