Press Coverage of the 2024 US Presidential Elections
The upcoming US presidential election in 2024 has captured significant media attention, with candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris dominating the narrative. Since the beginning of the year, the press has extensively covered their campaigns, focusing heavily on their personalities rather than substantive issues. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, approximately 55% of news stories have revolved around the candidates' personal attributes, overshadowing discussions on critical topics such as health and the environment. This trend intensified following key events, including Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race and an attempted assassination of Trump, which heightened public interest in both candidates' backgrounds and health.
As candidates embark on promotional tours to garner support, they utilize various media platforms to communicate their programs. However, the press coverage has leaned towards the candidates' charisma, with Trump’s public appearances, including visits to McDonald's and endorsements from celebrities, receiving extensive media attention. In contrast, Kamala Harris has positioned herself as a champion of health care reform, advocating for lower medical costs and improved access to medications, which resonates with many voters.
Underrepresentation of Health and Environmental Issues
Despite the candidates' differing views on health and environmental policies, these topics have received minimal coverage in the media. Reports indicate that only 21 stories related to health and the environment were published, accounting for a mere 0.62% of total coverage. Harris has been vocal about her commitment to health care reform, promising to subsidize essential medications for vulnerable populations. On the other hand, Trump has failed to present a concrete health care plan, offering vague future visions instead.
Environmental issues are similarly sidelined, with Harris advocating for climate action and electric vehicles, while Trump expresses skepticism towards climate change and has previously rolled back numerous environmental regulations. This lack of coverage on critical issues may suggest that both candidates are avoiding in-depth discussions on these topics, opting instead to focus on economic and political matters that align with their party's agendas.
