How Far Should the Media Reflect the Political View of Its Leaders?

in international political affairs as well. The media is not always good for international political affairs though, an example would be the Vietnam War. However the media in international political affairs can have a positive effect, like when the Filipinos were being killed in their native homeland. The media helped to comfort Filipinos living in the United States. The media has a tremendous effect on politics and the politicians themselves. It is within human nature to believe what is told to us. We tend to believe the media because research is done by them and they are a main source of information. Dan Rather, who does the CBS “Evening News”, was accused of a counterfeit story that could have brought down George Bush, particularly because it was released right before the election. The report focused on George Bush’s service in the National Guard, and weather it actually happened or not. It was later discredited because documents it relied on were artificial.

How has media influenced public perception of political figures, issues, and institutions?   Through agenda setting and framing, media has the power to set the agenda for political discussion by providing public attention to political figures, issues, and institutions.   In addition, the media can frame political agendas by influencing public perception and interpretation.   (Ginsberg, Lowi & Weir, 1999)
Agenda Setting and Framing
Political Figures and Candidates
In campaigning, media coverage plays a large role for candidates.   They use the media to make their name heard and image seen. "Nearly everything a candidate does is geared toward the media, especially television" (Stuckey, 1999, p. 99)   Candidates make appearances on talk shows, televise town hall meetings, and press conferences.   Their agenda is not the issues they present or their positions on them, but to gain media attention.
If the candidates do not present interesting visuals or dramatic news, than the