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Momentum and Media in the 2012 Republican Presidential Nomination
Author(s) -
McGowen Ernest B.,
Palazzolo Daniel J.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
presidential studies quarterly
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.337
H-Index - 5
eISSN - 1741-5705
pISSN - 0360-4918
DOI - 10.1111/psq.12131
Subject(s) - nomination , momentum (technical analysis) , presidential system , newspaper , political science , politics , law , economics , financial economics
This article uses A ldrich's (2009) formula to devise “momentum scores” that allow us to track momentum for the major candidates in the 2012 R epublican presidential nomination throughout the primary season. Though M itt R omney had a major advantage in fundraising and endorsements before the primaries began, his biggest gains in momentum came late in the primary season. We compare momentum changes to media mentions and tone of coverage derived from content analysis of major newspapers. Though media content corresponds with changes in momentum for each candidate, the media response to momentum for the front‐runner is weaker compared with his competitors.