March 29, 2005

Trend: Governors get behind the wheel to build voter relationships

A Purdue University public opinion expert is giving politicians the green flag for driving home their messages – even after the election – in the vehicles of their choice.

James McCann, associate professor of political science, says he won't be surprised if more elected officials turn to four wheels, or more, to promote their platforms. Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mitch Daniels are both traveling their states, California and Indiana, respectively, in distinctive vehicles. Schwarzenegger is cruising in a military-style Humvee, and Daniels is making appearances in a recreational vehicle similar to the one used during his campaign.

"Many Americans are turned off by conventional news broadcasts because they don't have much love for typical political debate," McCann says. "This is why alternative shows, like Jon Stewart's 'The Daily Show,' are so popular. Americans have a deep attachment to democracy, but many don't have the stomach, or the necessary background information about policies, for debate. Driving these vehicles is just another way to communicate with constituents."

McCann says there is not much difference between politicians who are on the campaign trail or in office governing. Many elected officials are engaged in a permanent campaign to maintain their popularity so they can influence political decisions and rally support for their proposals and programs.

"The way politicians drum up support today is like a rock star going on tour," McCann says. "Even President George W. Bush's 60 stops in 60 days tour to promote his Social Security changes is tailored to the attention span of Americans."

Statistics are not kept on what kind of cars government officials drive or if they are used for campaigning, but McCann says this is a trend that could gain momentum.

"Vehicles are common symbols for most Americans, and the cars we drive tell us something about ourselves, including how we perceive our image and values," McCann says. "Plus, you don't need to spend a million dollars, like you would to produce a commercial, to get your message out.

"Driving the RV is something your Uncle Mitch would drive, so this is Mitch Daniels' attempt to communicate with voters at a folksy, personal level," he says. "Whereas Schwarzenegger, who isn't making action movies anymore, is crafting an image for himself as a libertarian in the Republican Party. Driving a Humvee, military-style no less, certainly says something about power and strength when trying to promote a platform or new policies."

CONTACT: McCann, (765) 494-0738, mccannj@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

To the News Service home page