Horse Race Journalism
The tendency of the media to cover campaigns by emphasizing how candidates stand in the polls instead of where they stand on the issues.
Horse race journalism is a type of political reporting that focuses more on poll numbers, campaign tactics, and political strategies than on substantive policy issues. It emphasizes the competitiveness of the political contest, rather than the actual substance of the political debate. The term “horse race” refers to the competition between candidates, much like a horse race.
Horse race journalism can be detrimental to democracy, as it can distract voters from the important issues facing the country. It can also create a false sense of equivalence between candidates, emphasizing their personal attributes rather than their policy proposals. This type of journalism may also lead to the media sensationalizing stories, rather than dedicating adequate time to researching substantive issues.
It’s important for journalists to strive for balanced coverage, focusing on the important issues and policy proposals rather than solely on the competitive aspect of political campaigns. This means placing greater emphasis on candidate statements and records, and analyzing and fact-checking proposals that affect voters’ lives. Thus, by educating citizens on the issues, horse race journalism may gradually be replaced by substantive discussions of policy and candidates’ qualifications.
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