Since the beginning of July, coverage of the role of money in the presidential campaigns has been rising. While Super PACs have generated considerable discussion, coverage of the fundraising, advertising and ad buys of the campaigns themselves has been higher.
Coverage of Money In Politics Has Increased in Past Month
Chart shows percentage of statements about Money In Politics (Campaign Fundraising, Advertising & Ad Buys and Super PACs) out of total election coverage. Time frame is May 1 – August 9.
Other than a brief spike in mid-June, discussion of Money In Politics in election coverage has reached it’s highest point in the past week since the beginning of May. Coverage of the issue has been rising steadily since the beginning of July and consisted of almost 9% of total election coverage in the first week of August.
Campaign Fundraising and Advertising Discussed More Than Super PACs
Chart shows coverage ratio among Fundraising (green), Advertising & Ad Buys (yellow) and Super PACs (indigo). Time frame is July 1 – August 9
Since early July, coverage of Money In Politics has been centered around Campaign Fundraising (green). Over half (52.2%) statements about Money In Politics have been about Fundraising. Discussion specific to Super PACS in election coverage has made up only 19.9% of Money In Politics coverage since July 1, and Advertising & Ad Buys (yellow) discussion has made up just over one-quarter (27.9%). Although the impact of Super PACs on this year’s election have been a major focus for many, it hasn’t been as much of a focus as the Campaign’s own fundraising and Advertising purchases.
