This study seeks to determine if editorial coverage was supportive or critical of Obama's September 8, 2009 school speech. Newspapers serve as the government's "Fourth Estate" by shining a spotlight on politicians and commenting on their activities. History proves that the public and the government are influenced by opinions printed in newspapers, and the content of the proposed speech was altered following the outcry from parents and the media to address what some called, "an invasive abuse of power." Understanding the position of the editorial boards could be an indication of support Obama will have for his policies. The subject was hotly debated in the media and extreme interests were noisily presented, however, the newspapers did perform their role.

Paper presented to the 6th Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, Wichita State University, April 23, 2010.Research completed at the Elliott School of Communication, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences