Shaping Public Opinion: Crash Course Government and Politics #34

Summary

This episode of Crash Course Government and Politics explores the origins of public opinion, influenced by individual ideologies and shaped by external factors like government actions, private groups, and media. It discusses how these entities attempt to sway opinions, using historical and modern examples, including the ineffectiveness of government PR and the significant impact of well-funded interest groups. The video also touches on how media, through priming and framing, is a powerful force in forming public opinion.

Takeaways

• 🤔 Public opinion is shaped by a combination of individual ideologies and external influences.
• 🗣️ The government can shape public opinion through actions, inactivity, and public relations strategies.
• 📺 The media is a powerful influencer of public opinion due to its widespread presence and accessibility.
• 💡 The concept of the 'bully pulpit' allows presidents to directly appeal to the public and shape their views.
• 📉 Government inactivity, like the low productivity of Congress, can negatively impact public opinion.
• 📈 Interest groups, such as the NRA, can significantly sway public opinion through well-funded campaigns.
• 🌐 The rise of the internet has made it easier and cheaper for interest groups to disseminate their messages.
• 💼 Think tanks on both the left and right produce research aimed at influencing public opinion.
• 📊 Media 'priming' and 'framing' techniques determine which issues gain public attention and how they are perceived.
• 📉 Public opinion is highly reactive to current events, especially economic conditions.
• 👴 Historical events, like the Vietnam War and Watergate, have long-lasting effects on trust in government and public opinion.

Q & A

What are the three main influences on political opinions mentioned in the script?

The three main influences on political opinions mentioned are the government, private groups (interest groups), and the media.

How does the government shape public opinion according to the script?

The government shapes public opinion by doing things, such as raising or lowering taxes, invading other countries, or engaging in public relations maneuvers and manipulating the news cycle.

What is the historical significance of the term 'bully pulpit' in the context of the presidency?

The term 'bully pulpit' refers to the idea that the President can use the office to influence public opinion, starting with Theodore Roosevelt and becoming more prominent with Franklin Roosevelt's 'fireside chats'.

What is the role of private groups in shaping public opinion?

Private groups, especially organized interest groups, can mount advertising campaigns for or against laws, influence public opinion through funding, and use the internet to disseminate their messages.

Can you provide an example of how an interest group has shaped public opinion as mentioned in the script?

The script mentions the 'Harry and Louise' ad campaign sponsored by the Health Insurance Association of America, which is credited with helping move public opinion against the Clinton health policy.

How does the media shape public opinion according to the script?

The media shapes public opinion by choosing what stories to cover, using 'priming' to prepare the public to take a particular view on an issue, and 'framing' events in a certain way.

What is 'priming' in the context of media and public opinion?

'Priming' is when the media focuses on certain topics, making them a greater concern to the public, which can influence political action.

What is 'framing' and how does it relate to media coverage?

'Framing' is the way media outlets choose to interpret and present an event or issue, which can change the way the public thinks about that issue.

How has the changing media landscape affected the government's ability to shape public opinion?

The changing media landscape has made it more difficult for the government to shape public opinion due to increased access to diverse sources of information and the decline in trust in government institutions.

What historical events are mentioned in the script that have impacted public trust in the government?

The script mentions the Vietnam War and the Watergate Scandal as historical events that have significantly impacted public trust in the government.

How does the script suggest that public opinion is reactive to current events?

The script suggests that public opinion is highly reactive to current events, such as the economy, referencing the low approval ratings during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.