Presidential Politics and the Problem of Drugs in America: Assessing the Relationship Between the President, Media, and Public Opinion

• NCJ Number: 239088
• Journal: Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2012 Pages: 90-107
• Author(s): Joshua B. Hill; Willard M. Oliver; Nancy E. Marion
• Date Published: March 2012
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study explored the relationship between the president, public opinion, and the media in regard to drug abuse policy in America from 1969 through 2004.

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between the president, public opinion, and the media in regard to drug abuse policy in America from 1969 through 2004. The theory of presidential influence over public opinion is used to test the hypothesis that presidents influence public opinion of drug abuse. Using vector auto regression time-series analysis, the study finds that while presidents do not appear to influence the public directly, they influence the media which influences public opinion. These findings are different from previous findings regarding crime control policy, but are similar to past findings for drug policy. Reasons for these findings are discussed and future research proposed. (Published Abstract)