Dual Executive - An Examination of how the Media Indirectly Controls the Government

In modern society, public perception of the United States president depends largely on television news coverage. Aware of this, presidents and presidential candidates manipulate the media to create favorable impressions of themselves and their policies. Acting in self-interest to entertain a large audience, the press often sensationalizes events and fails to fully inform the public on realities of news and current situations. The American public has grown disillusioned and apathetic and fails to turn to other sources to educate themselves. As a result, the public never sees an accurate reflection of a president's performance. In today's world, objective news reporting no longer exists. This paper traces how the press has gained increased control over the president's actions and largely determines the outcome of presidential elections.
American faith in the president as a bold leader who placed national good above self-interest began with George Washington, who was well known and admired for his ideology, self-discipline, restraint, and integrity. …