While watching the numerous speech videos in class, we came across the recognition of the drastic change of political speeches over time through mediums. Journalism both in the past and the present, has been a mainstay in terms of its influence on a voter’s decision. During the earlier time period in American history, the newspaper was utilized in order to create political ads as a way to demean an opponent. The use of political cartoons was an effective tool, that candidates used to vilify and detract voters from their opponent’s message.
The use of radio was important in terms of creating an atmosphere in which all Americans, regardless of their location, could listen to a candidate’s message. No other medium allowed the candidate to speak, with their own voices, to Americans directly in their homes. What this medium essentially allowed was the political figure to clearly get their point across, without the distractions of visuals. Politicians spoke in a very direct, proper manner, not personally, but to as stated before, ultimately get their point across. As we moved from radio there was of course the introduction of television.
Television at last in its inception was a unique medium used to display a candidate’s message. But unfortunately, with television came a lot of other issues, such as visuals. In this medium, politicians also spoke in a direct manner, but in a personalized manner, adapting to the medium of television. Also, the idea was developed that speeches must be short. Ten minutes is a limit and five minutes is even better. Reagan, having a past background in acting, was able to skillfully perfect this medium.
The Political Scene 
New Papers were the start of an effective way of communicating universally. It is interesting to see how the mediums slowly change to adapt to the need of the viewers. The use of radio was verily important. It was the only way of instant communication. We could hear what was going on as it was happening. Whereas the newspaper you were lucky if it were a next day kind of thing. Yes, finally there is TV. Tv satisfied the vision and hearing aspect.
You make a great point. Considering that he was an actor it probably made it a lot easier for him. With his team and past knowledge he was able to make it look practically flawless. And then there was internet that took things to a whole new level. There, was radio, newspaper TV and now the internet. It seems that each time we go up on a source it becomes less legitimate. I believe one of the main reasons are that more people have access to put things out there.
Radios was an effecive tool for presidents like FDR who would speak in a slow manner. However, once the television was introduced as a medium, many president had a difficult time adjusting to it. Like the video of Eisenhower, we watched in class. I found myself tuning out as i was distracted by his constant fidgeting. Some may have not been aware of their actions and the huge role it plays when they were in the public eye. Some weren’t comfortable making speeches in front of a camera under bright lights as opposed to citizens just hearing their voices and not seeing them sweat or look sickly (like Nixon did in the debate against Kennedy in 1960).