In the United States both the media and public opinion are entrenched in the overarching direction of American foreign policy. These two entities have a symbiotic relationship. The media shapes public opinion and vice versa. Either one can sway the other in the opposite direction. Historically, the media is either the primary cheerleader or main critic of foreign policy, or it has been both at different points in time depending on public opinion or outcome of the policy. A prime example of this was evident during World War II. Initially, the media was against the U. S. involvement of America in its efforts to prepare for possible war. Once American soil was attacked, this same media began to champion the role of America in the war.
