Final answer:
The media's emphasis on attack journalism and soft news in the coverage of politics can be attributed to factors like the desire for sensational news, the shift from reporting to analysis and entertainment, and the pursuit of profits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The single biggest explanation for why the American media's coverage of politics emphasizes attack journalism and soft news is a combination of factors.
First, the rise of attack journalism can be attributed to the popularity of scandals and the desire for sensational news. Investigative journalism has become more focused on bringing down prominent individuals rather than revealing the truth or serving the common good.
Second, the media's coverage of politics has shifted from reporting to analysis and entertainment. Reporters prioritize horse-race coverage and speculation about campaign strategies over in-depth reporting on candidates and their positions. This shift forces voters to seek information from other sources.
Finally, the pursuit of profits and the focus on ratings have led the media industry to prioritize sensational and negative stories over in-depth coverage of government and public affairs.