The influence of political programs on politics itself is discussed in this compelling examination of the dynamic between the media and the democratic process. The research in this study assesses the impact of broadcasted political debates on formal forms of political participation, such as elections, and considers the value of political programming on the democratic process as a whole. Data collected from focus groups and interviews with media personnel address the aims of political broadcasting, how the creators of these programs target their audience, and whether their efforts have been effective for the general public. Programs covered include special broadcasted debates on the war on terrorism and the war in Iraq.