Elites Shape Perception and Influence Voter Sentiment

Elites, including political candidates and media, play a critical role in shaping public opinion and voter sentiment. The phenomenon of negative partisanship, where individuals strongly favor their own side while disliking the opposing side, has been intensifying over time, particularly since 2016 with the rise of Trump and during the COVID years. Political messaging from leaders significantly influences voter attitudes, as seen with Joe Biden's framing of the opposition as a threat to democracy. While there’s a sense of polarization and calcification in voter behavior, the potential for positive messages from leaders to inspire hope and change should not be underestimated, suggesting that political entrepreneurship and leadership can still affect outcomes dynamically.