Title: Social networks between the US presidential candidates regarding COVID-19

Authors: Seungil Yum

Addresses: The Department of Landscape and Urban Planning, Cheongju University, Cheongju, South Korea

Abstract: This study explores social networks between the US presidential candidates regarding COVID-19 by employing social network analysis for Twitter. This study employs NodeXL to visualise social networks of the US presidential candidates for COVID-19 on 6 November 2020 right after the US 2020 US presidential election date. This study finds that Donald Trump has strong social networks with his family, while Joe Biden reveals those with news media. Secondly, Donald Trump has strong connections with his political supporters, whereas Joe Biden has many political opponents in the networks. Thirdly, while Donald Trump has only his party in his networks, Joe Biden has not only his political party but also the rival party in his networks. This study contributes to our understanding of how US presidential candidates utilise distinct social networks to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: US presidential candidate; Donald Trump; Joe Biden; COVID-19; social network.

DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.143123

Electronic Government, an International Journal, 2025 Vol.21 No.1, pp.18 - 34

Received: 04 May 2023
Accepted: 12 Mar 2024
Published online: 03 Dec 2024 *

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