Display the following questions on the board: What forms of media are used in presidential elections? How might digital and print forms of media impact a campaign?
Make a chart on the board, or a digital whiteboard, outlining key differences and advantages and disadvantages of digital versus print media during presidential elections.
Lead students in a discussion about forms of media used in conjunction with presidential elections. Be sure to address key points such as audience reach, reliability, accuracy, and substance of content. Encourage discussion around any disagreements.
Explore
In small groups, have students look up short campaign ads for either the 2024 presidential election or one from the past 20 years. They should watch one video each from the Republican and Democratic Party candidates. Have students take notes to answer:
What issue(s) do the ads focus on?
How is the issue presented?
How would you describe the way the candidates present themselves?
Play only the audio of the Kennedy vs. Nixon debate (minute marks 0:01-1:58 and 8:10-10:00) without showing the video. Lead a discussion around what students thought about each candidate.
Play the same video with the visual. Ask students how their opinions changed after seeing the candidates.
Have students read the Kennedy-Nixon Debate Intro Essay.
Assess and Reflect
How did television impact this presidential debate?
Why do you think those who watched the debate on television believed Kennedy won, while those who listened on the radio believed Nixon won?
Compare and contrast the 1960 debate with the modern ad you watched earlier. Why do you think there are still similarities in how presidential candidates present themselves via media so many decades later? Why do you think there are differences?
With the rise of television and digital media, the personality and image of the candidates became increasingly important. How might this shift citizens’ focus away from substantial issues? Are there benefits to shifting more focus towards personality? Explain your answer.
