The Presidency and Social Media ─ Discourse, Disruption, and Digital Democracy in the 2016 Presidential Election

The media have long played an important role in the modern political process and the 2016 presidential campaign was no different. From Trump’s tweets and cable-show-call-ins to Sander’s social media machine to Clinton’s "Trump Yourself" app and podcast, journalism, social and digital media, and entertainment media were front-and-center in 2016. Clearly, political media played a dominant and disruptive role in our democratic process. This book helps to explain the role of these media and communication outlets in the 2016 presidential election.

This thorough study of how political communication evolved in 2016 examines the disruptive role communication technology played in the 2016 presidential primary campaign and general election and how voters sought and received political information. The Presidency and Social Media includes top scholars from leading research institutions using various research methodologies to generate new understandings—both theoretical and practical—for students, researchers, journalists, and practitioners.

Dan Schill is Associate Professor in the School of Communication Studies and Affiliate Professor in Political Science at James Madison University, where he teaches courses in advocacy, political communication, research methods, and media and politics. His research focuses on communication, politics, media, and technology.

John Allen Hendricks is Chair of the Department of Mass Communication and Professor at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he teaches courses in communication theory, research methods, First Amendment law, and media and politics. Dr. Hendricks has authored/edited more than ten books on the topics of media/politics, social media/new media technologies, and the broadcasting industry.