Media Constructions of Presidential Campaigns

This kit was developed by Project Look Sharp for high school through college-aged youth. The kit helps to teach about the role of media in 28 U.S. elections occurring from 1800-2008. Over 160 media documents are included for decoding, including slides of posters, handbills and political cartoons; audio clips of songs and radio programs; and video clips of speeches, debates, comedy TV, and political commercials. Students can use the kit to analyze historical documents, the history of presidential campaigns, the crafting and marketing of campaign messages, and the impact of new technologies and new media on presidential campaigns.