Partisan Bias in Newspapers? (Misrepresenting news about the economy)

The Philadelphia Inquirer ^ | October 6, 2004 | Kevin A. Hassett and John R. Lott Jr.

[quidnunc]

A Study of Headlines Says Yes

Economists have been puzzled this year by the persistence with which perceptions about the economy have lagged the economic data. For the most recent 12-month period for which we have data, for example, the economy grew almost exactly as fast as it did during the best 12-month period during President Clinton's two terms. But the economic mood of the country has been much different.

It isn't just the economy that influences people's perceptions. In research we just released, we find that media coverage is also an important determinant. We found that newspaper headlines reporting economic news on unemployment, gross domestic product (GDP), retail sales, and durable goods tended to be much more frequently negative when a Republican was in the White House. And this was true even after accounting for the economic numbers on which the stories were based and how those numbers were changing over time.

We also found that positive headlines explained whether people thought that the economy was getting better more than the economic variables themselves. Newspapers are indeed important.

-snip-

[shoknawe]

I knew I wasn't as miserable as MSM kept telling me I was.

[tomnbeverly]

MSM = LIBERAL PRAVDA.... Don't let anyone tell you how you really feel... That is the problem with liberals even if they feel good if they are told long enough they feel bad it just has to be so...

[Aetius]

I agree with this for the most part. Its troubling that history may be repeating itself as this contrast in data and perceptions helped defeat Bush the Elder. I agree that the MSM focuses on the bad because it hurts Bush.

But I also think Iraq has something to do with it. The news there is also, rightly or wrongly, reported as being mostly bad. I think that has a downer effect on everything else, including people's perception of the economy.

I think if Bush had not gone to Iraq, then he would be headed for an easy victory. That's not a comment on the rightness or wrongness of the Iraq decision, but merely an opinion on its political effects.

[FesterUSMC]

Your title should look like this Partisan Bias in Newspapers. It should not have a question mark because it is a statement.

[Cicero]

Quidnunc correctly gave the headline and subhead as they appeared in The Inquirer:

Partisan Bias in Newspapers?

A Study of Headlines Says Yes

Actually this is the second Philadelphia Inquirer I've seen this week that has questioned the liberal consensus. Remarkable for what is usually a yellow leftist rag of the worst kind. I can't imagine what's gotten into them.

[OSHA]

I was the same doom and gloom that played a role in getting Clintoon elected. Why give up a plan that works.

[cinives]

I'm positive it's because I when I cancelled my subscription late in July I took the opportunity to tell them it was because I wanted facts on the front page, not biased liberal opinion pieces!! LOL

[Maria S]

"I think if Bush had not gone to Iraq, then he would be headed for an easy victory."


I respectfully disagree. If not Iraq, then Clinton/McAuliffe/etal would have found something else to beat Bush over the head with. Their intent is to get him out of office...not matter what it takes.

[Aetius]

Well yeah, thats obviously true. But my point is that if not for Iraq, then Bush's war on terrorism would be defined in most part by the successes in Afghanistan, and the lack of an attack since 9-11-01. Furthermore, the attitudes on the economy would likely be much more upbeat. Bush could better make the case that he shouldn't be blamed for job losses that resulted w/o question from an economy headed for recession when he took office, 9-11, and corporate scandals. And who knows, w/o Iraq maybe the economy would in fact be doing better than it is with that uncertainty out of the way. The deficit would probably be lower for sure -- all of which would make it harder for the Bush record to be attacked.

[xzins]

America has long been manipulated by the media for political purposes. The only thing that will prevent it is for people to fully realize that the media is attempting to propagandize them.

[talleyman]

Media bias? I'm shocked!

[libs_kma]

I canceled my subscription to the liberal rag (the Cincinnati Enquirer and now I only get the news I trust. I'm happier now that I don't have to get upset at the liberal bullcrap drivel the reporters spew every day.

Within one week of quitting, I got 2 calls asking me to come back and I said both times now way am I getting that liberal POS anymore. It's not even fit to line the cage of a hamster. Actually, one of the guys agreed with me! He said I talk to people all day long about this paper and I hear that quite a bit.

[OESY]

October 02, 2004

Bush Boom

More evidence that Bush has successfully driven a stake through the heart of the Clinton Recession:

Construction spending surged in August to the highest level on record, fresh evidence that the housing market is helping move the economy ahead.

The Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing index posting the 16th straight month of growth in that sector. Stocks surged:

For the week, the Dow ended up 1.45 percent, while the S&P advanced 1.93 percent and Nasdaq rose 3.34 percent. All three indexes turned in their highest weekly percentage gain in six weeks.

Personal income continues to rise:

Overall personal spending was flat in August while personal income increased by 0.4 percent in the same period, according to Commerce Department reports issued Thursday. (AP Graphic)

Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All right reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed because we wouldn't want this information on the economy to get out as it might help Bush.

[GailA]

Where are the SOUP lines we saw during the "Great Depression"? I've not seen any have you?

[LowCountryJoe]

Prozac ping