From Publishers Weekly
In journal-style entries, Aron, a correspondent for public TV in New Jersey, offers an insightful chronicle of one of the country's most-watched gubernatorial campaigns, with enough detail to satisfy political junkies. Entries on the Republican primary race between Christine Todd Whitman and Cary Edwards are followed by the more interesting account of the race between the upper-class Republican Whitman and progressive Democratic incumbent Jim Florio. Aron portrays the strategies of the candidates' handlers and tracks the daily campaign salvos, as substantive issues vie for attention with political gaffes: Whitman's hiring of the creator of the Willie Horton commercials as a media consultant and Florio's mistaking a Whitman aide for a man charged with violating pesticide regulations. Aron observes presciently that Florio erred by attacking Whitman rather than trumpeting his own accomplishments and cites numerous other reasons--personality, the public's tax phobia--for Florio's loss. His postscript suggests that, whatever the truth about Whitman aide Ed Rollins's claim of manipulating black ministers, other factors influenced the black vote. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Journalist Aron's account of the 1993 gubernatorial campaigns of New Jersey's incumbent Democrat Jim Florio and Republican challenger Christine Todd Whitman is Rutgers's first "instant book." Aron provides valuable insights into the decision-making processes of both campaign organizations. He also illuminates the symbiotic relationships that develop between political candidates and the reporters who cover their campaigns. The contest between Florio and Whitman is generally viewed as the 1993 election with the most important implications for national politics in 1994 and beyond. This book should appeal to politically informed readers well beyond the borders of New Jersey. The publisher says a postscript, not seen by the reviewer, that discusses and analyzes Ed Rollins's post-election comments on the suppresion of voter turnout will be added to future editions of the book.--Ed.
- Thomas H. Ferrell, Univ. of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Thomas H. Ferrell, Univ. of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
