"Shaping History" or "Riding the Wave"?: President Bush's Influence on the Public Opinion of Terrorism, Homeland Security, & Crime

• NCJ Number: 232462
• Journal: Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 38 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2010 Pages: 896-902
• Author(s): Joshua Hill; Willard M. Oliver; Nancy E. Marion
• Date Published: September 2010
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses presidential influence on the public opinion of terrorism, homeland security, and crime.

Abstract

The theory of presidential influence over public opinion is used to predict the impact of presidential rhetoric on the public's concern for terrorism, homeland security, and crime as the "most important problems facing the country." Using OLS time-series regression, the authors find consistent results that President Bush influenced public opinion in relation to terrorism, homeland security and crime, despite the overwhelming events of September 11th and its impact. The article concludes by discussing the president's ability to shape events and how some events shape the presidency. Tables, figures, notes, and references (Published Abstract)