Final answer:
The media's use of polling results can impact elections by turning them into "horse races" based on popularity rather than the candidates' qualifications and platforms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The media's use of polling results to convey popular levels of trust and confidence in government can impact elections by turning them into "horse races" based more on popularity and factors other than the qualifications and platforms of candidates. This is known as horserace coverage, where the media constantly reports on polls and ranks candidates based on their performance in the polls.
Horserace coverage is often criticized for its lack of depth and focus on candidates' issue positions and voting histories. It tends to prioritize the question of who will win, rather than informing voters about the candidates' qualifications and platforms. This can influence public perception and voter decisions, potentially favoring popular candidates over those who may be more qualified or have better platforms.
Overall, the media's use of polling results in horserace coverage can have a significant impact on elections, shaping public opinion and potentially diverting attention away from important factors like candidates' qualifications and platforms.