Explaining the Variation in Incumbent Electoral Performances Following Natural Disasters

Gabriel Johnson

Why do some incumbent politicians perform better than others in elections following a natural disaster? I argue that the variation results from the amount of media coverage focusing on the disaster and its aftermath, as voters can become exposed to political narratives through their consumption of media. Because the amount of media coverage can be influenced by various characteristics of the incumbent and voters, these characteristics consequently also effect incumbent performances following a natural disaster.

Major: 
Political Science
Exhibition Category: 
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Exhibition Format: 
Poster Presentation
Campus: 
University Park
Faculty Sponsor: 
Raymond Block
Poster Number: 
15978