Question

Read this passage:
In 1972, Maine senator Edmund Muskie, who was competing for the Democratic presidential nomination, held a press conference outside while it was snowing. The news media reported that Muskie had tears on his face, even though the tears may have simply been melting snow. Muskie’s public image suffered, and he went on to lose the nomination.
Which statement best explains why muskie lost the democratic nomination?
A. Muskie refused to give the news media broad access to his campaign.
B. News coverage has a strong effect on public opinion of a candidate
C. The news media are reluctant to discuss candidiates’ complex ideas and positions
D. The news media attacked Muskie by using sound bites taken out of context

Answer 1

Correct answer to this question is B) News coverage has a strong effect on public opinion of a candidate. On that day, everything was noticed by one prominent journalist, David Broder. He wrote that Senator Muskie seemed to be crying at that time. It was a question for everybody at that time since it was difficult to judge whether they were snowflakes falling or streaming down his cheeks, as opposed to tears. It was a historic turning point in his campaign because many people felt that he is too passionate to become President.

Answer 2

The Answer:

B) News coverage has a strong effect on public opinion of a candidate

Alternative Answer:

Candidates have limited control over how the news portrays them.