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The Emotional Voter

Effects of Episodic Affective Reactions on Candidate Evaluation

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Book cover The Social Psychology of Politics

Part of the book series: Social Psychological Applications to Social Issues ((SPAS))

Abstract

It seems self-evident that political figures arouse passion and emotion in the electorate. Vivid examples can be found throughout all of political history. In 1864, Harper’s Weekly described Abraham Lincoln as a “monster”, a characterization that is clearly emotionally evocative (Jamieson, 1992). John F. Kennedy, the “Camelot” president, evoked feelings of tremendous pride and patriotism in his eloquent speeches (e.g., “Ask not what your country can do for you…”). Bill Clinton’s recent sexual escapades elicited disgust among many citizens, and his subsequent lies about the affair aroused considerable anger. Moreover, political candidates notoriously surround themselves with contextual stimuli (e.g., the American flag, balloons, music) that are designed to elicit positive emotional reactions in the electorate ([Jamieson, 1992]).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA

    Linda M. Isbell

  2. Department of Psychology, Loyala University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 60626, USA

    Victor C. Ottati

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  1. Linda M. Isbell
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  2. Victor C. Ottati
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA

    Victor C. Ottati , R. Scott Tindale , John Edwards , Fred B. Bryant , Linda Health , Daniel C. O’Connell , Yolanda Suarez-Balzacar  & Emil J. Posavac , , , , , ,  & 

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Isbell, L.M., Ottati, V.C. (2002). The Emotional Voter. In: Ottati, V.C., et al. The Social Psychology of Politics. Social Psychological Applications to Social Issues. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0569-3_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0569-3_3

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-5136-8

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