Final answer:
The term 'going public' refers to a presidential tactic of appealing to the public to build a mass base of support for their policy goals. It leverages major addresses and media to persuade both broad and targeted audiences, being a strategic adaptation to the modern information age. While effective in rallying supporters, it is debated whether it polarizes debate and complicates policymaking.
Step-by-step explanation:
When presidents appeal to the public to create a mass base of support for their goals, this is referred to as going public. This strategic adaptation to the information age allows presidents to use major addresses or other forms of media to advance their policy objectives and gain support for legislative agendas. Presidents may also tailor their approach by going local, addressing specific audiences and locations to persuade particular groups or interest groups.
Technological advances have empowered presidents to deliver their messages more efficiently than before. An example being Air Force One, which facilitates the president's ability to travel and communicate across the nation. The concept of the bully pulpit, coined by President Theodore Roosevelt, exemplifies the use of presidential power to focus media attention and inspire public action.
However, political analysts like George C. Edwards raise concerns that going public may polarize political debate and complicate the achievement of policy goals through increased opposition. Nonetheless, a president's decision to go public can significantly influence public opinion, especially when they have high approval ratings or a clear electoral mandate, as seen in Barack Obama's 2008 victory.