Performance Trumped Issues in Post-Debate Coverage
Chart shows the breakdown of election coverage by topic in the two days following the first Presidential debate. Time frame is October 4-5.
In the two days of coverage following the first debate between Obama and Romney, media coverage was focused on the debate in terms of the theatrics of the candidates instead of the issues. Almost one-third of coverage (31%) from October 4-5 was performance-focused rather than issue-focused. While there was significant coverage of the economy, taxes, and entitlements, the debate was more frequently discussed in terms of how each candidate performed and how it would impact the race.
