Politicians in the Media

George Mason University professor and Spinner in Chief author, Stephen Farnsworth spoke to students on Feb. 26 about how presidents sell their policies and themselves. The video conference started off with a discussion in regards to September 11 and how President Bush handled it.

"People look for confidence", Farnsworth said. "They want to see a president that can tell them how to move forward".

Students were asked for their feelings on two different video clips. The first was Bush's initial speech to the nation from the White House regarding the attacks The second was President Bush speaking to the nation from ground zero, in the presence of New York fire fighters, police officers and others involved in the 9-11 aftermath. Farnsworth also responded to Bush's reactions. According to him it was a disadvantage that everything happened in real time.

"People aren't going to look anything other than stunned", he said. " You see a much clearer sense of what needs to happen in the second clip".

Farnsworth went on to discuss past presidents as well as our current president. He commented on how they have presented themselves and whether it has hurt or helped them. According to Farnsworth, President Jimmy Carter did something awful when he disappeared for 10 days. Instead of being so negative, he should have said something like "the best is yet to come" to encourage the American people.

"Ronald Regan was always seen as very likable", he said. Being likable and popular helps a president to secure legislative matters according to Farnsworth.

The Spinner in Chief author gave his opinion on how he feels government should be as transparent as possible and have as few secrets as possible.

One student asked Professor Farnsworth how he thought a president with a congressional background would differ from a president of an executive background. Farnsworth replied by saying, "He has openess to talk to the legislative branch, which is uncommon". He also feels that President Obama appreciates Congress more than past presidents have.

Steve Farnsworth concluded his conference on a note that he is very concerned about the media's influence and its effect on politics. He is not a fan of soundbytes, but prefers when viewers can see a speech in its entirety. Professor Farnsworth looks forward to the day when government is able to have a conversation about serious issues that effect the nation not as partisan issues, but simply as issues that need to be addressed for the good of the country.