Premium
Candidate Character Traits in the 2012 Presidential Election
Author(s) -
Holian David B.,
Prysby Charles
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.12134
Subject(s) - empathy , presidential system , perception , competence (human resources) , presidential election , social psychology , character traits , trait , bama , political science , psychology , transformational leadership , politics , law , biology , genetics , neuroscience , computer science , programming language , escherichia coli , bacterial outer membrane , gene
This article examines the effect of perceptions of the character traits of the presidential candidate on the vote in 2012. B arack O bama was perceived more favorably than M itt R omney on empathy, integrity, and competence, and just as favorably on leadership. The more favorable perceptions of O bama were due to very unfavorable perceptions of R omney; perceptions of O bama were mixed and were less favorable than they were in 2008. Trait perceptions had a significant effect on the vote. Independents were most strongly affected, and they were particularly affected by perceptions of leadership and empathy. Democrats were influenced more by perceptions of empathy and competence, and Republicans were influenced more by leadership and integrity.