News Media Coverage of the Vice-Presidential Selection Process

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xix

   PDF

2. Introduction

   • Christopher J. Devine

   Pages 1-22

3. How the Veepstakes Came to Be

   • Christopher J. Devine

   Pages 23-39

4. Studying the Veepstakes

   • Christopher J. Devine

   Pages 41-53

5. Veepstakes Media Coverage, 2000–2016

   • Christopher J. Devine

   Pages 55-82

6. Veepstakes Media Coverage, 2020

   • Christopher J. Devine

   Pages 83-94

7. Conclusion

   • Christopher J. Devine

   Pages 95-103

8. Back Matter

   Pages 105-137

   PDF

This book provides the first systematic, empirical analysis of the media’s approach to US vice-presidential selection (or the “veepstakes”). In their news coverage, Devine finds that media outlets typically treat vice-presidential selection as little more than a game—by focusing on how potential running mates might help to win the election, rather than how they might help the next president to govern. Based on an original content analysis of hundreds of veepstakes profiles from 2000–2020, this book quantifies the news media’s relative emphasis on various selection criteria, in general and across different electoral circumstances. The analysis suggests that journalists generally fail to serve the public interest by emphasizing electoral over governing considerations. However, Devine also points to positive examples of media coverage that help the public to evaluate potential running mates’ governing credentials, and suggests ways in which scholars, journalists, and citizens might encourage media outlets to provide more substantive, responsible coverage of the vice-presidential selection process in future elections.

• Vice presidents
• media coverage
• Joe Biden
• Electoral college
• VP
• US Politics
• Veepstakes
• Presidential campaigns
• journalism
• Kamala Harris
• Hillary Clinton
• running mates
• presidential elections
• veep

“A third of American Presidents have previously served as the nation’s Vice President. Yet, there has been little attention to the considerations involved in the selection of Vice-Presidential candidates. In this important volume, Devine examines how the media describe potential candidates when covering the “veepstakes,” and he insightfully critiques the media’s relative focus on electoral versus governing considerations.” (Herbert F. Weisberg, The Ohio State University)

“This book, which is well-written and full of fascinating details, provides a rich and original empirical analysis of media coverage of the vice-presidential selection process since 2000. Devine shows that the electoral strengths of prospective candidates are still the most prevalent topics put forward by the media—to the detriment of the governing qualifications of the candidates, though those factors are becoming increasingly important in the selection of running mates due to the growing influence of vice presidents. Devine’s rigorous analysis will improve scholars' understanding of the workings of the media and their effects on voters’ perceptions, especially since it offers suggestions to encourage more balanced coverage of the various selection criteria at the heart of this process. I loved this book and learned a lot from it. I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.” (Karine Prémont, University of Sherbrooke and Center for United States Studies at the University of Québec in Montréal)

“Christopher Devine’s volume on media coverage of the “Veepstakes” makes an important contribution to the political science literature on vice-presidential selection. Devine finds that media coverage of vice-presidential selection focuses more on electoral factors versus governing factors, which has implications for the information voters have in American presidential elections. The volume is a must read for anyone who is interested in developing a greater understanding of political media coverage, vice-presidential selection, and American electoral politics.” (Andrew D. Green, Central College)

“Devine insightfully blends research on media effects with an innovative analysis of data from decades of coverage of dozens of potential candidates for vice president.  This book presents a strong, empirically grounded challenge to the way much of political media covers vice presidential selection, and should serve as a starting point for rethinking that coverage.  Highly recommended to anyone who wants to be prepared for the 2024 veepstakes.” (Christopher J. Galdieri, Professor of Politics, Saint Anselm College)

• Department of Political Science, University of Dayton, Dayton, USA

  Christopher J. Devine

Christopher J. Devine is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Dayton, USA. He is the co-author of two books on vice-presidential candidates, including Do Running Mates Matter? The Influence of Vice Presidential Candidates in Presidential Elections (with Kyle C. Kopko). This research has been cited by numerous US and international media outlets. Devine also has published extensively on other topics relating to campaigns and elections, public opinion, and the U.S. presidency, including the forthcoming book on presidential campaign visits, I’m Here to Ask for Your Vote.