Coming Down the Stretch: An Analysis of the use of Sports References in Political Dialogues and its Effectiveness

August 17th, 2008

By David Garr

Abstract:

Did a candidate just “hit a home run?” Which candidate is running as “the underdog?” Is someone “moving the goalposts?” In today’s media landscape, the use of sports references to describe political candidates and events is abundant. This paper takes a look at the history of this type of horse-race journalism and its use in current political dialogues. Through a study of primary election night transcripts and ratings, this study looks at how the networks and their viewers have been affected from enhanced use of sports references throughout their coverage. Additionally, research conducted for this study looks at the effectiveness of utilizing those nuanced sports metaphors in political coverage over more direct and insightful campaign information.

Full Article (PDF):Coming-Down-Stretch.pdf

Posted under: Issue III Summer 2008, Journal, Journal Volume VIII 1,556 views

About David Garr

David Garr came to Georgetown University’s Communication, Culture & Technology graduate program as a Master’s candidate after receiving his BA in Government and Politics with a minor in Sports Commerce and Culture and and a citation in American Cultures from the University of Maryland. He currently works at a communications firm in Arlington, VA.

Journal Volume VIII Issue III Summer 2008