News Media Coverage of the Vice-Presidential Selection Process: What’s Wrong with the Veepstakes?

This book provides the first systematic, empirical analysis of the media’s approach to US vice-presidential selection (or the ＂veepstakes＂). In their news coverage, Devine finds that media outlets typically treat vice-presidential selection as little more than a game--by focusing on how potential running mates might help to win the election, rather than how they might help the next president to govern. Based on an original content analysis of hundreds of veepstakes profiles from 2000-2020, this book quantifies the news media’s relative emphasis on various selection criteria, in general and across different electoral circumstances. The analysis suggests that journalists generally fail to serve the public interest by emphasizing electoral over governing considerations. However, Devine also points to positive examples of media coverage that help the public to evaluate potential running mates’ governing credentials, and suggests ways in which scholars, journalists, and citizens might encourage media outlets to provide more substantive, responsible coverage of the vice-presidential selection process in future elections.

Christopher J. Devine is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Dayton, USA. He is the co-author of two books on vice-presidential candidates, including Do Running Mates Matter? The Influence of Vice Presidential Candidates in Presidential Elections (with Kyle C. Kopko). This research has been cited by numerous US and international media outlets. Devine also has published extensively on other topics relating to campaigns and elections, public opinion, and the U.S. presidency, including the forthcoming book on presidential campaign visits, I’m Here to Ask for Your Vote.