The Republican Primaries in 140 Characters: How the 2012 Candidates Used Twitter to Mobilize Their Supporters, Interact With them and Frame the Campaign

Authors

Ben S. Wasike, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2013

Abstract

This study used content analysis to examine how the 2012 Republican candidates used Twitter to mobilize their supporters, interact with them, frame campaign issues and frame their opponents. The results indicated that Santorum has used Twitter the most. The most popular mobilization tactics were announcing appearances and voter recruitment. However, the candidates minimally used Twitter to frame campaign issues. Overall, the candidates’ use of Twitter was limited. Pertinent implications for the 2012 presidential elections are discussed.

Recommended Citation

Wasike, Ben S. "The republican primaries in 140 characters: How the 2012 candidates used Twitter to mobilize their supporters, interact with them and frame the campaign." Southwestern Mass Communication Journal 28.2 (2013).

Publication Title

Southwestern Mass Communication Journal