(iPoster) Emotional and Credibility Perception Impact on 2016 Voters

• In Event: Poster Session: Political Psychology I & II
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Political Psychology I

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the impact of candidate debate statements on voter support and political behavior. By analyzing audience perceptions, it examines how emotions and perceived candidate credibility influence voter engagement during presidential campaigns.
Background: The role of debates in shaping voter perceptions remains critical in political campaigns. During the 2024 primary season, President-Elect Donald Trump secured his nomination without participating in debates, raising questions about their necessity. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden faced scrutiny during his first debate with Trump, as concerns about his age and cognitive abilities became focal points of voter and media attention. Understanding debates’ influence in such contexts is essential to evaluate their role in elections.
Methods: This study analyzes survey data (N=287) from the 2016 U.S. presidential debates between Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Respondents provided feedback on video-recorded candidate statements, with data collected on party identification, perceptions of credibility, emotional reactions, and voter behavior.
Results: Findings reveal strong correlations between emotional perceptions of debate statements, candidate credibility assessments, and voter support. Emotional responses like trust, anger, and enthusiasm significantly influenced audience attitudes. Differences based on party identification highlighted partisan lenses in evaluations.
Conclusions: The study underscores the critical role of emotions and credibility in debates. These findings provide insights into how televised debates shape voter decision-making.
Keywords: presidential debates, political communication, voter behavior, emotional perception, candidate credibility

Author

• Peta C Long, Syracuse University