POL224 Lecture 4

Course Title and Professor

POL224: Politics and the MediaLecture 4: From Old Hickory to King AndyProfessor: Si SheppardLong Island University

The Power of the Press

Historical Context of the Press

  • Washington Gazette, March 20, 1822: Describes the extensive influence of the press over public opinion, referring to it as a "government of newspapers."This context highlights the media's foundational role in political discourse and public perception.

Foundation of Democracy

  • Alexis de Tocqueville's Observation: In "Democracy in America," Tocqueville states that the absence of newspapers would lead to a lack of common activity in society.This observation emphasizes the necessity of media for fostering democratic participation.

Media Environment

Postal Acts (1792, 1794)

  • Maximum postage for printed material was set at $0.015.

  • Costs for letters were based on page count and distance.

  • Cheaper newspaper postage was subsidized by letter writers.

  • In 1832, newspapers constituted 95% of mail weight but only contributed 15% to postal revenue.These acts facilitated greater access to newspapers, boosting their influence in public and political life.

National Networks

  • By 1830, approximately 16 million postage-paying newspapers were circulated annually.

  • From 1830 to 1845, newspaper circulation grew by 2.3 million copies per year.

  • Jacksonville, Illinois, supported only one newspaper despite having numerous subscriptions.

  • Cost-free postage for printers enabled unlimited exchange privileges.This growth indicates the importance of media networks in political campaigns and public information dissemination.

Partisan Environment

Rivalry

  • By 1830, 65% of county seats in New York had rival newspapers.This rivalry illustrates the competitive dynamics that shaped political narratives and public opinions.

Partisan Obligation

  • Democratic Convention Resolution (1840): Encouraged support for Democratic newspapers to uphold party principles.This highlights how parties relied on the press to promote their agendas in an era of fierce partisanship.

Partisan Imperatives

  • Influence of the Boston Patriot warned against losing control of influential newspapers essential for political influence in New England.This underscores the necessity for political entities to maintain favorable media relationships.

Partiality vs. Objectivity

  • Isaac Hill's Perspective: Argued that impartial journalism was unreasonable since parties believed one was right.

  • Republican Sentinel's Last Issue (1844) expressed satisfaction if they persuaded even one voter from opposing parties.These points reveal the continuing tension between advocacy journalism and objective reporting.

Election 1824 Overview

  • Key figures like John Quincy Adams, William Crawford, John C. Calhoun, Henry Clay, and Andrew Jackson played important roles in the election.Their interconnected candidacies highlight the crucial relationship between politicians and the media in shaping electoral outcomes.

Partisan Allies

The Essential Role of Editors in Campaigns

  • Adams stated editors were as crucial as squires to knights in medieval times.This analogy reflects the editors' pivotal role in shaping public discourse during elections.

Election 1824 Campaign Strategies

  • Shift in Media Support: Calhoun dropped his race to support Adams' candidacy.

  • Media Outlets Supporting Adams: Included Philadelphia National Gazette and Richmond Constitutional Whig.

  • Accusations Against Adams involved allegations of using public funds to pay newspaper printers.

  • Various Publications Supported Clay, including newspapers like Argus of Western America and Liberty Hall.

  • Securing Media Support was vital to counter opponents.These strategies show the elaborate connections between media relations and political strategy.

Editorial Support for Jackson

  • Media’s role in elevating Jackson was crucial as seen in House ballot analysis.This exemplifies how editorial backing can significantly tilt electoral contests.

Jackson vs. Adams/Clay Rematch

  • Critiques included accusations of corruption and manipulation from the Democratic Press.

  • Washington Gazette sold to supporters of Jackson, while Duff Green switched support from Calhoun to Jackson.This exemplifies the adaptive nature of media allegiances in the political arena.

The Spoils System

Jackson’s Agenda

  • Jackson aimed to reward supporters and consolidate control.

  • Political Clean-Up involved calls for removing rivals.These actions reveal the interaction between media strategy and political patronage.

Journalist Appointments

  • Numerous journalists appointed to government roles influenced the media landscape post-election.This highlights the close ties between media personnel and political power.

In-House Rivalry

Tensions Within Jackson's Political Circle

  • Power struggles among key figures impacted Jackson's media strategy.This shows how internal dynamics of political factions can influence larger media narratives.

The Bank War - Jackson vs. Biddle

  • Corrupt influences of the Second Bank affected press dynamics.This conflict illustrates how economic issues could shape media coverage and political discourse.

Opposition Press

Responses to Political Troubles

  • Press reactions to Green were significant in maintaining political activism.Editors' initiatives to organize the Whig Party showcased media's role in counter-narratives.

Critical Rhetoric against Jackson

  • Jackson’s administration faced sharp critiques, while personal attacks against Clay underscored the contentious nature of political media engagement.These dynamics reflect the press's role as both a critic and shaper of political narratives.

Heyday of the Partisan Press

Peak of Partisan Press Dynamics

  • Synergies between political parties and the press characterized this era.This peak illustrates the mutual dependence of political and media institutions.

Legacy and Transition

  • Final electoral results clear implications for political shifts post-Harrison.The evolution of the press and its influence on elections underscores its ongoing significance in shaping democracy and public engagement.