People watching presidential debates on TV learn less about the candidates if they are simultaneously following social media such as Facebook and Twitter than debate viewers who aren’t using social media at the same time, a study has found.
Institutions of Democracy
FactCheck.org Is Nominated for a Webby as Best Political Site
The Annenberg Public Policy Center's FactCheck.org, the nonpartisan "consumer advocate" for voters, has been nominated for the third consecutive year for a Webby as best Political Blog/Website.
Peter Hart Focus Group to Assess Trump’s Strengths and Vulnerabilities
Pollster Peter Hart will conduct a "Voices of the Voters" focus group in St. Louis on March 22 to explore Donald Trump's strengths and weaknesses as seen by Republican and independent voters.
Winneg and Hardy Talk Politics and Social Media on ‘Radio Times’
Ken Winneg, who directs APPC's survey research, and Bruce Hardy, a distinguished research fellow, spoke on WHYY's "Radio Times with Marty Moss-Coane" about politics, social media and the presidential campaign.
Judge Marjorie O. Rendell and Rendell Center Honored by City Council
The Philadelphia City Council has honored Judge Marjorie O. Rendell and the Rendell Center for Civics and Civic Engagement for their work in civic education, and credited its partnership with the APPC as well.
Kathleen Hall Jamieson on the Demise of ‘Fact’ in Political Discourse
"Implications of the Demise of 'Fact' in Political Discourse" has been published in the Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, examining strategies used in partisan attacks on "fact" and reputable institutions.
Justices Scalia and Breyer Talk About Interpreting the Constitution
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was an originalist in his approach to the Constitution. In a 2008 video for Annenberg Classroom, he and Justice Stephen G. Breyer discussed theories of interpreting the Constitution.
Kathleen Hall Jamieson Discusses Presidential Debates on ‘On Point’
Just before the Iowa caucuses, Kathleen Hall Jamieson spoke with host Tom Ashbrook on WBUR's "On Point" about the effectiveness of debates, the role of moderators and the media, and suggestions for reform.