Analyzing Wikipedia Page Views of Presidential Candidates

John West
Information Expositions — Spring 2024
4 min readApr 26, 2024

In the age of information, data has become a powerful tool for uncovering insights and understanding societal trends. A facet of society where this is particularly evident is in the realm of politics. With the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, set to take place in November of this year, the popularity of candidates can be a crucial indicator of public interest and support. One intriguing lens through which to examine this popularity is the analysis of Wikipedia page views.

Wikipedia, the world’s largest online encyclopedia, serves as an outlet for public interest due to its extensive user base and comprehensive coverage of topics in real time, including political figures. By examining the page views of the three main presidential candidates(assumptive) — Joe Biden (D), Donald Trump (R), and Robert Kennedy Jr. (I) — we can gain valuable insights into their respective levels of popularity and the dynamics of public attention.

Understanding the Data

To begin our analysis, let’s delve into the data itself. Wikipedia provides publicly accessible data on page views for every individual page, allowing us to track the popularity of specific topics and people over time. By focusing on the pages dedicated to Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., we can observe how interest in these individuals has been trending over the past two months.

Joe Biden: The Incumbent President

As the incumbent president, you would expect Joe Biden to naturally garner significant attention. Analyzing the page views of his Wikipedia article reveals intriguing patterns that suggest he is not as popular a search as the two candidates running against him. In the months following his inauguration, there was a surge in interest, reflecting the heightened attention typically accorded to a new administration. However, as his term progressed, page views have fluctuated, influenced by various factors such as policy announcements, international events, and political controversies.

One notable trend is the correlation between Biden’s page views and major events, such as State of the Union addresses or international summits. These spikes in interest underscore the public’s engagement with presidential activities and the role of Wikipedia as a resource for information on political leaders. Wikipedia’s longstanding history of being publically revisable makes it one of the most reliable sources for regularly updated pages on topics and people.

Donald Trump: The Former President and Celebrity

President Donald Trump’s Wikipedia page acts as a fascinating case study into the intersection of politics celebrity life. Throughout his presidency and beyond, President Trump has remained a polarizing figure, commanding both loyal support and vehement opposition. This divisiveness is reflected in the volatility of his page views, which can fluctuate dramatically in response to his actions, statements, or media coverage.

Notably, Trump’s page views have continued to attract attention even after leaving office. Whether it’s speculation about his political ambitions, legal entanglements, or public appearances, Trump remains a magnet for public curiosity and media attention. His Wikipedia page serves as a repository for information and analysis, catering to both loyal supporters and vehement detractors seeking insights into his influence on American politics.

Robert Kennedy Jr. : A Figure of Controversy

In contrast to Biden and Trump, Robert Kennedy Jr. occupies a different realm of public headspace. As an environmental activist, lawyer, and member of the Kennedy family dynasty, Kennedy’s Wikipedia page offers a glimpse into a different facet of American politics. While not a presidential candidate in the traditional sense, representing his “We the People” party, Kennedy’s advocacy and public persona have propelled him into the spotlight, particularly in recent months.

Kennedy’s page views exhibit distinct patterns, often surging in response to his activism, public statements, or media appearances. As a vocal critic of certain public health measures and proponent of alternative viewpoints, Kennedy’s profile has attracted attention from diverse audiences, including those interested in environmentalism, public health policy, and political discourse.

Key Insights and Takeaways

Analyzing the Wikipedia page views of Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Robert Kennedy Jr. yields several key insights into the dynamics of political popularity and public interest. Firstly, it underscores the enduring relevance of these figures in shaping public discourse and engagement, both domestically and internationally.

Secondly, it highlights the interconnectedness of politics, media, and public perception in the digital age. Wikipedia serves as a reflection of societal interests and priorities, with page views fluctuating in response to the unfolding of events and narratives.

Finally, it emphasizes the multifaceted nature of political figures and the diverse audiences they attract. From incumbent presidents to outspoken activists, each individual commands a niche sphere of influence and generates distinct patterns of public attention.

In conclusion, the analysis of Wikipedia page views offers a valuable lens through which to examine the popularity and influence of political figures. By analyzing the page view data surrounding Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Robert Kennedy Jr., we gain valuable insights into the dynamics of public engagement and the ever changing landscape of American politics. As we navigate and decipher the complexities of the 2024 presidential election and beyond, such analyses serve as invaluable tools for understanding the motivations of the United States constituency and the forces shaping our collective future.

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Information Expositions — Spring 2024
Information Expositions — Spring 2024

Published in Information Expositions — Spring 2024

Information Expositions is an undergraduate data storytelling class taught by Professor Brian Keegan at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Information Science.

John West
John West

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