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 itself. As a result, the public never sees an accurate reflection of a
president's performance. This paper traces how the press has gained increased control over the president's actions and largely determines the outcome of presidential elections.