Nothing grabs the media’s attention like a good rivalry, just look at how the Clinton-Obama contest has helped the Democrats’ press coverage skyrocket past the GOP’s over the past few months. Over the past week, Romney has moved from third place to within one percentage point of John McCain in Florida media impressions. Strong poll numbers and a recent attack from John McCain have set a new rivalry in place and both candidates are benefiting.

Florida Media Impressions For GOP Candidates
Past 14 Days of Media Coverage

The perception of a tight race in Florida between McCain and Romney should help engage GOP primary voters. McCain’s strong national lead in traditional and social media impressions, on the other hand, indicates the strength McCain has heading into Super Tuesday on February 5th. If Romney wins in Florida, it could help to curb McCain’s media lead, while a McCain win could further increase the lead he already has.

Traditional and Social Media Impressions For GOP Candidates
Past 7 Days of Media Coverage

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama continue to run a competitive race with 39 percent and 38 percent of all presidential election media impressions in Florida, respectively. While there are no delegates being awarded to the winner of the Democrat primary in Florida, Clinton has said she will campaign for a symbolic victory.

In a race where perception and reputation are everything, a symbolic win for Clinton could strengthen her position going into Super Tuesday.

Political candidates, companies and organizations all need to manage their reputations in the media. Perception can change quickly and without warning. Using traditional and social media analysis to understand your competitive position across regions and over time can give you the insight you need to know where and when your resources will have the greatest impact.

For more information on this topic, please see our related press release.