The Impact of Short Term Economic Data on the Perception of Public Officials: Analysis of the 2008 Economic Crisis and the American Presidential Election

Author

James A. Foster

Date of Award

4-2010

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Patrick Donnay

Abstract

As the economy of the United States fluctuated in the months leading to the 2008 presidential election, so did the public’s perception of the two leading candidates for the Oval Office. While American voting habits and economic trends have been researched heavily, the potential to analyze the effects of the economy on public opinion during an historic recession is just being uncovered. Using data from the 2008 American National Election Study, as well as daily closing numbers of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, trends emerge suggesting a possible relationship between short run economic indicators and the public’s views towards political figures like John McCain and Barack Obama. Analysis finds little consistent relationship between daily changes in stock prices and changes in perceptions of the presidential candidates.

Recommended Citation

Foster, James A., "The Impact of Short Term Economic Data on the Perception of Public Officials: Analysis of the 2008 Economic Crisis and the American Presidential Election" (2010). Political Science Theses and Capstones. 76.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/capstone-polisci/76