Convention Acceptance Addresses

Research has examined the nature of the recurring speeches.  Acceptance addresses (from 1952-2004) are mostly positive: 77% of the statements in these speeches are positive whereas 23% are attacks of the opposing party and it’s nominee.  This compares 40% attacking statements in TV spots and 35% in debates from the general election contest.  Most of the messages from candidates stress policy (62% of statements in general election TV spots; 75% of statements in general debates).  Acceptances have a slight emphasis on policy, 55% to 45% character.  A greater emphasis on character in Acceptances than spots or debates makes sense given the conventions’ emphasis on the candidate.  Incidentally, news coverage of general election campaigns is more negative than the candidates’ messages: 57% of the statements in New York Times’ coverage of presidential campaigns is negative.  The news also stresses horse race coverage (40%) more than character (31%) or policy issues (25%).

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