Barack Obama’s 2008 Campaign for the U.S. Presidency and Visual Design

Seidman, Steven

doi:10.1080/23796529.2010.11674671

Cited by 9 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Stckl's notion of typopictoriality is particularly generative for analyzing typographic design that goes beyond typesetting or the use of typefaces in a broader design, such as the manipulation of type in logos. Taking Obama's logo as an example, the geometric and evenly weighted O represents his name-and thus him as a branded entity-but also represents the sun rising over a field of crops and the waving American flag (see also Seidman, 2010). Through the manipulation of simple shapes into a typopictorial design, and consequently the activation of existing mental associations, the Obama logo communicates the patriotism of the flag, prosperity of the harvest, and hope of dawn.…”

Section: )mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In large part the general inattention to typography can be explained by the fact that previous political campaigns only considered design in limited contexts, such as selecting typefaces for "bumper stickers and lawn signs" (Thomas, 2010, p. xxix). However, the new role of design in the 2008 Obama campaign piqued academic interest, inspiring several scholars to analyze the campaign's use of branding and graphic design (Ahmed, 2013;Banet-Weiser, 2012;Seidman, 2010;Zavattaro, 2010).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Fonts of Potential: Areas for Typographic Research in Political Communication

Billard¹

2018

Preprint

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As the prevalence of digital technologies has increased, so too has the prevalence of graphically designed content. In particular, typography has emerged as an increasingly important tool for visual communication. In recent years, political actors have seized upon the expressive potential of typography to communicate their messages, to support their campaign efforts, and to establish viable brand identities. However, researchers have been slow to address the new role typography plays in the processes of political communication. Therefore, this article both synthesizes and proposes key areas for research on typography in political communication. Drawing on extant literature across the fields of design, communication, and political science, this article identifies the ways in which typography contributes to the communicative and organizational aims of political actors, demonstrates these contributions with examples from recent political campaigns, and concludes by pointing toward unanswered questions for future studies to address.

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Section: )mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fonts of Potential: Areas for Typographic Research in Political Communication

Billard¹

2018

Preprint

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“…Alluding to the war in Vietnam, McGovern used a dove and the two‐fingered peace sign. Similarly, Seidman () undertook an analysis of Barack Obama’s election posters from the 2008 presidential campaign.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Seidman () considered political election posters in the United States post–World War II. He concluded that these messages, with some exceptions, “lacked interesting visuals and noteworthy stylistic differences” (384; see also Seidman ; ). The focus shifted from issues to personalities in this sample.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…He provided evidence from several countries that many voters consider campaign posters to be important sources of information. Seidman () concluded, “The innovative use of new and old technologies, with visuals so integral a part of all political marketing products [including posters], undoubtedly aided Barack Obama in his contest for the White House in 2008” (23). Research has established that political visual symbols, such as the American flag (e.g., Butz, Plant, and Doerr ; Kemmelmeier and Winter ), have effects on voters.…”

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confidence: 99%

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A Functional Analysis of Visual and Verbal Symbols in Presidential Campaign Posters, 1828–2012

Benoit¹

2018

Pres Stud Q

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This study analyzes American presidential campaign posters from 1828 to 2012 using the Functional Theory of Political Campaign Discourse. It advances the theory by investigating a hitherto unexplored medium, posters; more importantly, visual elements (e.g., the bald eagle) were analyzed along with words. Acclaims were more frequent than attacks; no difference occurred in the functions of early and recent posters. Visual symbols used acclaims even more than verbal symbols. Character was a more frequent topic than policy; the relative proportion of these two topics did not change over time. Visual symbols discussed character even more than verbal symbols.

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Encouraging Identification with the Larger Campaign Narrative: Grassroots Organizing Texts in Barack Obama’s 2008 Presidential Campaign

Petre

2017

Communication Quarterly

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Barack Obama’s 2008 Campaign for the U.S. Presidency and Visual Design

Cited by 9 publications

References 4 publications

Fonts of Potential: Areas for Typographic Research in Political Communication

Fonts of Potential: Areas for Typographic Research in Political Communication

A Functional Analysis of Visual and Verbal Symbols in Presidential Campaign Posters, 1828–2012

Encouraging Identification with the Larger Campaign Narrative: Grassroots Organizing Texts in Barack Obama’s 2008 Presidential Campaign

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