Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Domestic policy editorial positions of the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and National Review are examined in relation to the Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) policies commonly used to rate members of Congress. The editorials of the four publications in the years 1962-1998 not only correlate highly to ADA positions but represent a fuller set of public policy positions taken by both the liberal and conservative sides.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper serves as an exploratory foray into a larger study on elite opinion making concerning strategic defense. Specifically, in this paper, I conduct a content analysis of editorial opinion regarding missile defense over the last ten years. This covers political fights over the missile defense plank of the GOP�s �Contract with America� through the creeping deployment of a "test bed" in Alaska and California. Editorials from major U.S. newspapers are examined for content supportive or detractive of the U.S. national missile defense program. The extent of editorial opinion, pro and con, is evaluated as well as an appraisal of points of harmony or discord. An assessment is also made as to what prompted editorial coverage and how the issue was framed. I conclude by considering potential avenues for subsequent investigations into the role of opinion making in strategic defense policy.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This project explores the effects of communication apprehension, argumentativeness, verbal aggressiveness, and argument realism on the way an arguer engages in possible arguments. In particular, the study examines arguers� editorial standards. 201 participants completed a survey containing standard mesaures, and also responded to two separate situations which used the Hample and Dallinger (1987) editorial standards instrument format. Each of the situations was designed to respect Johnson�s (2002) distinction between personal and public topics. Bivariate correlations showed that communication apprehension is positively associated with concern for effectiveness, truth, and self-image. Verbally aggressive respondents are also concerned with effectiveness, but avoid editing based on truth or relational issues. Argumentative respondents make more principled objections to various arguments, but seem disinclined to worry about person-centered matters. Since these three variables are intercorrelated, multiple regressions show somewhat different patterns. Argument realism, intended as a manipulation check, is a serendipitous discovery. Argument realism has important relationships to endorsement and editorial behaviors. Participants reacted quite differently to public versus personal argument topics, reinforcing Johnson�s claim that these must be carefully distinguished in research and theory.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Editorial cartoons give insight into public sentiment during historical moments and play a vital role in constructing images of U.S. Presidential Candidates. While examined in historical contexts, editorial cartoons have received little attention in the political science community. Because readers of editorial pages and cartoons tend to be more politically interested, knowledgeable, and more likely to vote, the content of cartoons should be examined to gain insight as to their influence on candidate image. During primary campaigns, candidates attempt to establish particular identities that display the qualities and traits desirable to voters. Media exert a major influence on these traits, and may become a major influence on voter perception and choice by framing what issues and qualities are important for the campaign (Hellweg 1995, Trent et al. 1997, Edwards 2001). This paper examines the different ways editorial cartoonists covered Democratic and Republican candidates in the 2008 presidential primaries. I examine editorial cartoons appearing in 20 newspapers ranging in readership size as well as market (national and state) from November 2007 (“invisible primary”) to May 2008.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The best-known subtle advertising format in print media is the advertorial. Another form is the theme feature: an editorial feature in which brands are presented in small segments of text. This study examines attention, appreciation and acceptation of theme features and advertorials compared to �traditional� advertisements placed in magazines. In addition to these reactions the influence of perceived magazine characteristics was studied. A sample of 316 subscribers to 5 different magazines was part of this research. The results showed that readers paid more attention to theme features and also appreciated and accepted theme features more than advertorials, which in turn were more appreciated and accepted than advertisements. Furthermore, perceived magazine characteristics played a role in these audience reactions: attention, appreciation and acceptation of both theme features and advertorials were higher in quality and informational magazines.