Romney’s Overall Sentiment on the Economy Has Been Steadily Declining
Chart shows sentiment of statements toward Mitt Romney in coverage of the economy on a scale where +1 is very positive and -1 is very negative. Circle size represents statements volume. Time frame is Nov 1 – May 29.
The scatter plot chart above shows that overall sentiment toward Mitt Romney in statements about the economy has steadily become more negative. The most negative period has been in the past month and a half, since Santorum dropped out of the race and the general election began. IN that time period, Obama and his team have very aggressively attacked Romney for his record at Bain Capital, in an attempt to undercut Romney’s claim of economic superiority.
Obama’s Sentiment on the Economy Consistently Negative
Chart shows sentiment of statements toward Barack Obama in coverage of the economy on a scale where +1 is very positive and -1 is very negative. Circle size represents statements volume. Time frame is Nov 1 – May 29.
Obama has received consistently more negative than positive press when it comes to the economy. Only briefly in mid-March was the sentiment toward Obama more positive than negative. Since Romney became the presumptive nominee in early April, Obama has received the a higher volume of negative coverage on the topic of Economy than any of Romney’s rivals in the GOP Primary. In April, Romney campaign effectively switched gears and shifted their focus from GOP rivals to Obama, focusing as much negative messaging as they can on Obama’s record on the economy.
