Customer Reviews

The American Voter Revisited

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"The American Voter" was a genuine classic in the study of voting behavior. Authored by Angus Campbell, Philip Converse, Warren Miller, and Donald Stokes, the focus of the book was on the factors affecting citizens' voting in the 1952 and 1956 elections. One great challenge was analyzing survey research data BEFORE the advent of computers. Contemporary statistical techniques were simply not fully available.

This book, in essence, replicates the approach of the original volume, with a focus on the 2000 and 2004 elections. Rather than using contemporary statistical approaches, hey adopt much the same analytical practices as the original volume.

They also adopt the metaphorical perspective of Campbell, Converse, Miller, and Stokes, the "funnel of causality." Background factors, such as social and demographic factors are the wide part of the funnel. Closer to the actual vote? Party identification. Then, contemporaneous with the campaign--issues of the day and the candidates themselves. Chapter by chapter, the researchers explore how these affect vote choices in 2000 and 2004. One clear funding--a key reason Democrats lost both elections is that voters didn't much like their two candidates--Al Gore and John Kerry.

The final substantive chapter considers the importance of voting for democracy. It could have been more data driven; as it stands it is rather theoretical and abstract. Finally, a discussion of the factors involved in the outcomes of the elections of 1952, 1956, 2000, and 2004. Both similarities and differences. A fascinating discussion that shows considerable continuity.

All in all, an excellent book, examining continuity and discontinuity between the 1950s and the 2000s.

Lewis-Beck et al. do a excellent job of re-examining the questions raised by Campbell, Converse, Miller & Stokes nearly fifty years ago. The data the provide is timely and accessible for anyone with an undergraduate knowledge of statistics. I firmly believe this book will be one of the most important sources of information for anyone wanting to understand the nature of the American electorate in the twenty-first century for decades to come.

Having witnessed first-hand the missing profundity of the average American voter (I'm being kind), the thought of paying $21 to read the details leaves me cold -- yes, even 21 worthless Federal Reserve Notes. Here, stick this needle in my eye. Take your time, and have fun doing it.