Review
“Dover (Western Oregon Univ.) provides a distinctive analysis challenging conventional explanations of how incumbent presidents take advantage of their office to help ensure victories. Using Clinton's successful 1996 reelection campaign as a case study, Dover further illustrates the argument he first voiced in his 1994 Presidential Elections in the Television Age (CH, Nov. '94). He maintains that the political strength of the incumbent president as portrayed in television news coverage is the most decisive factor in the outcome of the election.”–Choice
“[T[his is a serious, well-written book, worthy of attention from students of the presidency and presidential elections. Dover...illustrates his points skillfully with excerpts from media coverage of the race. This book is a fascinating and very detailed assessment of the 1996 presidential campaign and of Clinton's first term. It clearly contributes to the debate on the role of the mass media in structuring voters' opinions about their political leaders.”–American Political Science Review
“The work is well suited for a graduate or senior seminar focusing on the mass media and politics, especially one examining the last decade. It is valuable at placing the modern campaign in context.”–Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly
“[T[his is a serious, well-written book, worthy of attention from students of the presidency and presidential elections. Dover...illustrates his points skillfully with excerpts from media coverage of the race. This book is a fascinating and very detailed assessment of the 1996 presidential campaign and of Clinton's first term. It clearly contributes to the debate on the role of the mass media in structuring voters' opinions about their political leaders.”–
“The work is well suited for a graduate or senior seminar focusing on the mass media and politics, especially one examining the last decade. It is valuable at placing the modern campaign in context.”–
Book Description
Examines the central role of incumbency in the televised world of American presidential elections.
