“Shaping history” or “Riding the wave”?: President Bush's influence on the public opinion of terrorism, homeland security, & crime

The theory of presidential influence over public opinion is used to predict the impact of presidential rhetoric on the public's concern for terrorism, homeland security, and crime as the “most important problems facing the country.” Using OLS time-series regression, the authors find consistent results that President Bush influenced public opinion in relation to terrorism, homeland security and crime, despite the overwhelming events of September 11th and its impact. The article concludes by discussing the president's ability to shape events and how some events shape the presidency.

Research Highlights► Presidential influence continues to hold even in the wake of a dramatic event such as September 11th, 2001. ► Within the Bush presidency, the concepts of crime, homeland security and terrorism had a complex interrelationship that may center on fear. ► Presidential focus on an issue of import may displace public attention from other issues.