Elusive consensus: Polarization in elite communication on the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

<jats:p>Cues sent by political elites are known to influence public attitudes and behavior. Polarization in elite rhetoric may hinder effective responses to public health crises, when accurate information and rapid behavioral change can save lives. We examine polarization in cues sent to the public by current members of the U.S. House and Senate during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, measuring polarization as the ability to correctly classify the partisanship of tweets’ authors based solely on the text and the dates they were sent. We find that Democrats discussed the crisis more frequently–emphasizing threats to public health and American workers–while Republicans placed greater emphasis on China and businesses. Polarization in elite discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic peaked in mid-February—weeks after the first confirmed case in the United States—and continued into March. These divergent cues correspond with a partisan divide in the public’s early reaction to the crisis.</jats:p>

Timing of COVID-19 Vaccine Approval and Endorsement by Public Figures

“…7 Taken together, this ts into a broader pattern of the politicization of the COVID-19 pandemic and responses to it among political elites and in mass public opinion. 8,9,10 While approval of a COVID-19 vaccine prior to the November presidential election could affect the outcome, it is not known whether the timing of a COVID-19 vaccine approval coinciding with the presidential election would undermine the public con dence that the vaccine is safe and effective and willingness to receive it. Further, we also do not know whether endorsements of the vaccine by politicians, like President Donald Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and health experts, like Dr. Anthony Fauci, would have consequences for beliefs about safety and e cacy and individuals' willingness to receive a vaccine.…”

“What’d We Miss?”: An Initial Analysis of Politics, Demographics, and COVID-19 Rates in Colleges’ Resumption of Instructional Operations for Fall 2020

“…Needless to say, I am thrilled with this paper and look forward to your comments and thoughts on the work. 3 I am grateful for Daniel Collier's leadership, Dan Fitzpatrick's analytical mind, and Sam Snideman's keen political instincts. I am also thankful to the four reviewers who took time to ensure quality control of the work.…”

“…California]: Warner/Chappell. 3 We welcome any comments and questions you may have about the work at c2i@davidson.edu. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many economic and social changes in the United States.…”

“…1 These debates happened with a background of politicized decision-making in higher education (HE) 2 and worsening politicization of the pandemic itself. 3 One sector that has long struggled with politicization is HE 4 and, in the COVID-19 world, institutions have come under intense scrutiny by political actors and the public -all while facing a financially uncertain year. 5 HE institutional leaders have chosen various modes of instruction -data which C2i have collected.…”

Model uncertainty, political contestation, and public trust in science: Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Green et al . ( 12 ) show that Democrats in Congress were engaged earlier and more often on COVID-19–related health questions than Republicans, who were more likely to emphasize business and China in their communication.…”