Can Governor Roy Cooper Boost Support for Reelection During COVID-19?

Roy Cooper, Democratic Governor of North Carolina, has recently gained support due to his quick response to the COVID-19 crisis and his extension of restrictions to keep the state closed. In the NY Times, Trip Gabriel writes that “incumbents could benefit from newfound star power” in the upcoming election. North Carolina has historically been a red state and is characterized as having an “energized Trump base.” From my experience growing up in North Carolina, this is due to the large number of small rural counties who tend to lean conservative, whereas the bigger cities tend to hold more liberal views. This gubernatorial election is expected to be a competitive one, as Cooper must combat the conservative political landscape of North Carolina. However, Gabriel notes that “governors have emerged as political stars” during this time through their “[sobering] updates of new cases and hands-on guidance” that is displayed in daily news conferences. In The Performative Presidency, Jason Mast notes that “political actors must be seen as compelling enough to warrant attention, and be seen as interesting enough for the media to decide to devote its communicative spaces to distributing the performance” (12). In a time when the media has become increasingly present, it is important that political actors gain exposure so that they can assert their legitimacy and authority to the public. Roy Cooper has been successful in gaining attention, as press conferences are released daily that give information of new restrictions and policies. North Carolinians look to Cooper as a legitimate leader whose information is news-worthy, because it gives guidance and updates that are based on facts. Many families around the state turn on the news to watch his press conferences to gain insight into the future of the state.

https://www.wxii12.com/article/north-carolina-schools-closed-through-may-15-gov-roy-cooper-orders/31901325

Mast describes the mise-en-scène as the “bringing together of all of the dramatic components and putting them into action for the moment and practice of performance” (13). In these press conferences, Cooper typically stands in front of both the U.S and state flag. On screen, the flags are positioned in the frame behind Cooper, which strengthens his message by adding in ideals of solidarity and nationalism to show that we can get through this crisis together. Additionally, his press conferences are framed at an eye level angle, which is relatively neutral and allows for a straightforward performance of facts. He also gestures with his hands while talking in a reassuring tone of voice, which effectively portrays a sense of security to the audience.

Mast also suggests that “political actors experience, react to, and work to gain control over ‘micro-events’ within a broader effort to project stable images of power and legitimacy” (13). Cooper asserted his power by acting quickly when COVID-19 was starting to become a major concern in the United States. He was the second Southern governor to issue a stay-at-home order and continues to treat the pandemic very seriously, which is reflected by his extension of the order into May. Cooper has proved a star among other Southern governors, who are criticized in the news for reopening businesses too soon and caring more for the economy than public health. Cooper’s response to COVID-19 has so far been successful, as his approval ratings have spiked to the mid-50’s, which is up 10 points from his previous 3 years in office. Many North Carolinians have been anxious about “dwindling savings, long waits for small-business relief and unemployment benefits, and a lack of testing,” and an interview with one small business owner states that voters are “looking for answers and safety.” Interviews with other North Carolinians, including Trump supporters and conservatives, reveal support for Cooper, stating that he is a strong leader who is doing a good job at keeping everyone safe. 

Cooper’s quick response, frequent news conferences, and staging of press releases 

have helped define him as a legitimate leader and garner support among North Carolinians. It will be interesting to see how he reacts to continued pressure from the President to reopen states. If Cooper can continue to control the event in a way that demonstrates his legitimacy and power, then he may have a good shot at winning the upcoming election. 

Sources:

Gabriel, Trip. 2020. “How the Virus Crisis Could Help a Red-State Democrat Stay in Office.” The New York Times. Retrieved April 26, 2020 (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/11/us/politics/coronavirus-governors-north-carolina-new-hampshire.html?auth=login-google&referringSource=articleShare).

Mast, Jason L. 2012. The Performative Presidency: Crisis and Resurrection During the Clinton Years. New York: Cambridge University Press.

WXII12. 2020. North Carolina extends closures to more businesses. Retrieved April 26, 2020. (https://www.wxii12.com/article/north-carolina-schools-closed-through-may-15-gov-roy-cooper-orders/31901325).