Census Regions

Abstract

O’Brien explores presidential speeches via the lens of US Census regions. Presidents in the modern era typically concentrate their speeches in areas with large Electoral College prospects. As much, almost all presidents give a significant portion of their speeches in the South. They also speak a considerable amount in the Midwestern states, but often only in election years. Most presidents do not focus on the Northeastern states, though as a broad statement, Democratic administrations are more likely to give speeches there. Census regions often mimic places of Electoral College support and presidential Census preferences often reflect where they go to reinforce or encourage political support for policy platforms or campaigns.