| This study analyzed the application of visual framing to political cartoons in the three phases of the 2012 Republican presidential campaign. I examined 193 cartoons from the political cartoon database Cagle.com, analyzed the visual frame used in each cartoon, and then assigned 18 visual frame categories. This study analyzed two cartoons from each election phase to understand how the frames function. This study then compared sets of visual frames with each other, in addition to comparing the frames in the print press to the phases of the presidential campaign. The analysis showed that visual frames become attached to a candidate early in the election cycle, that visual frames change in accordance with the phase of the election, and that a clear link existed between the application of visual frames and printed frames in the press. I concluded that a deeper understanding of visual framing effects creates a more informed citizenry. |
