The Feedback Loop

In reference to the feedback loop between news, politics, and entertainment, I have some hypotheses. I believe itsuch things as celebrity endorsements or "soft appearances" on late night talk shows can reinforce a decision that has already been made, or perhaps contribute to the buzz surrounding a candidate, but I don't think people are flipping through tabloids to see who Brad and Angie are endorsing only to rush out to the polls before voting for Barrack goes out of style.

Celebrities endorse candidates for various reasons one being because they have similar stances on issues. Yes, celebrities may be subjective in disseminating these issues but I think we falsely glorify objectivity sometimes. And subjectivity in the realm of entertainment does not necessarily lead to ignorance on issues.

I came across an article about Jon Stewart by Lance Bennett that found that people who watched late night comedy, and in particular the Daily show, are more informed about politics than non-viewers. Stewart admits that he is not a journalist and is not committed to the objectivity that defines this field yet his viewers are primarily young people and they are in fact, still informed.

The subjectivity and dare I say bias that gets expressed in "pop-culture" communication like the daily show, the Dark Knight, and Oprah only make sense to those who approach them with previous knowledge. The political undertones in batman would fly over the politically ignorant like the dark knight himself.

Endorsement functions in a similar way. We must be careful in assuming the magic bullet theory in these circumstances. Endorsements simply act as one component of campaigns and while I do agree that many politicians are harnessing a more public relations approach, endorsements simply act as one minor component. Oprah is powerful but she didn't make Barrack into a superstar, or pop-culture icon. He captivated audiences with speeches and mobilized supporters through his exceptional use of new media, McCain did not.

Young people identified more with Obama because of his stances on issues. Young people tend to be more liberal (although I am well aware of the exceptions Erin, I know you are out there!) and Republicans were not all that popular as evidence of Bush's low approval rating.

I don't give credit to celebrity endorsements as an independent influence because I think people vote for a variety of reasons most of which have to do with deeper convictions than celebrity. whether those convictions are tied to coming from a conservative family, having a loved one in Iraq, or simply identifying with the a candidate who is in opposition to an unfavorable candidate. thee convictions however result in some sort of knowledge about the issues and where candidates stand on these issues.