2000-07-26-皮尤-Voters_Unmoved_By_Media_Characterizations_of_Bush_and_Gore_42页_113kb

Analysis Summary

The report from the Pew Research Center in July 2000 analyzed voter opinions and media coverage for the U.S. presidential election between Al Gore and George W. Bush. Key findings include:

• Voter Opinions on Candidates: American voters split equally between Gore and Bush, with media portrayals having minimal impact. Gore is seen as experienced and knowledgeable, but vulnerable to attacks on pandering or scandals. Bush is perceived as honest but reliant on family connections for advancement, a trait voters associate him with despite limited media focus. The gender gap favors Bush among men, with non-whites showing slight Republican lean toward Bush.

• Candidate Vulnerabilities and Strengths: Gore is more susceptible to negative messages like exaggerating positions or past scandals, while Bush faces risks from being seen as unqualified. Positive Bush themes include tax cuts and education achievements, potentially drawing voters despite criticisms.

• Electoral Interest: Voter enthusiasm for conventions was lower than 1996, with only 34% interested. Public focus was less on national issues and more on local matters or candidate experience, with congressional control being a distant concern.

• Emerging Issues: Genetic research was viewed with cautious optimism among those engaged, though privacy concerns were evident. The Mexican election showed increased democratization, but international issues like war reported less interest.

Overall, voter perceptions were largely unformed, with campaigns and media having limited influence, though this changed as election day approached.