ABSTRACT
This volume explores a central political paradox: why American scholars, journalists, and citizens periodically question the viability of their presidential electoral system and yet believe that presidential elections are our best hope for tomorrow. The book argues that the key to understanding this paradox lies in the concept of "self-image," exploring relationships between campaign activities and political culture. After presenting an introduction to the history of presidential campaigning and a theory of political image, the book arranges essays in three parts: images centered on candidates, mass media, and the public. A final essay assesses explanations of the contrasts between the 1988 and 1992elections and suggests tomorrow's research agenda.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part One|11 pages
Presidential Campaigning in America
part Two|69 pages
Candidate-Generated Images in Presidential Campaigns
part Three|69 pages
Mass-Mediated Images in Presidential Campaigns
part Four|98 pages
Images of the Voter-Citizen in Presidential Campaigns
part Five|20 pages
Presidential Campaigning and American Self Images: Agenda for Tomorrow's Research