horse race journalism

Definition

Media coverage obsessed with who's ahead in polls rather than actual policy substance, reducing elections to sports commentary. It's treating democracy like fantasy football with higher stakes and worse statistics.

Example Usage

Critics slammed the network's horse race journalism, noting they spent 90% of coverage on polling and only 10% on the candidates' healthcare proposals.

Origin

Term emerged in 1970s media criticism, comparing election coverage to horse racing commentary

Fun Fact

Studies consistently show horse race coverage dominates election news—in 2020, it comprised 63% of campaign stories while policy got just 10%.

Source: Political journalism terminology

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