Public Support for Both the Environment and an Anti-Environmental President: Possible Explanations for the George W. Bush Anomaly

Steven R. Brechin, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign
Daniel A. Freeman, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign

Abstract

The authors explore the apparent anomaly of strong public support for the environment and popular public support for a president with a poor environmental rating by groups such as the League of Conservation Voters. In attempting to understand why there have not been public outcries against George W. Bush’s anti-environmental policies like those that occurred during the Reagan presidency, the authors present three possible explanations: a lag time phenomenon, change in media coverage and ownership, and redefined issue salience.

Recommended Citation

Brechin, Steven R. and Freeman, Daniel A. (2004) "Public Support for Both the Environment and an Anti-Environmental President: Possible Explanations for the George W. Bush Anomaly," The Forum: Vol. 2 : Iss. 1, Article 6.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/forum/vol2/iss1/art6

 
 
 
 

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