Talking Heads and Political Campaigns

Political campaigns play an important role in providing information to the electorate. During campaigns, political candidates often speak directly to voters, whether in televised speeches, at rallies or forums, through social media, or on their websites. Of course, much of what candidates say and do is later interpreted by members of the media. Many people do not watch campaign speeches or attend political events, but they do get some exposure to political events from pundits afterward. Talking heads, or pundits, regularly discuss politics and campaign events. A talking head is simply someone who makes comments and provides assessments and predictions about political events. Typically, talking heads are perceived as being experts and talk with authority about politics. This entry discusses the increase in the number ...