The Image

Another image that is represented on the cover of this issue is the actual photograph of McCain.  The cover story portrays John McCain confidently standing amidst against a muted, gray background. He is wearing his power suit, a blue suit and red tie symbolizing authority and American pride.  His confident facial expression is complemented by an upward camera angle and strategically placed lighting. Also significantly visible on the cover, is the gold ring on McCain’s left hand.  Americans value marriage and the importance of strong family ties, characteristics that McCain prides himself on.   On his wrist he displays a bracelet that reads Matthew J. Stanley, a 22-year-old soldier who was killed last year in Iraq (www.johnmccain.com).  The meaningful bracelet symbolizes McCain’s commitment to the war in Iraq and his ability to connect with American families who are grieving their lost sons and daughters.             As a presidential candidate, a professional, appealing image is necessary to convince voters to choose one way or the other.  McCain represents the stereotypical male in American society.  According to Kellner (1994), media stories and visual images provide meaning and symbols that allow individuals to access who is powerful and powerless.  This media story on John McCain obviously represents the stereotypical representation of those in power.  He is characterized as a middle-aged, Caucasian, male who is a legendary prisoner of war and a committed married man.