Campaigns and Elections American Style: The Changing Landscape of Political Campaigns - Brossura

Praise for the Fifth Edition

As the 2016 election taught us, important changes have taken place in how elections are won. Nelson and Thurber have assembled an excellent team of authors to help us understand prior elections and also train our sights on future elections. A distinct element of the book is the cutting-edge, insightful chapters by those actually doing the work of running campaigns, while being grounded in expert academic work. Together, they provide strong coverage of phenomena old and new to place campaigns in the broader context of American government: the use of big data, social media, and substantial unpaid-for traditional media; campaign finance, major donors, Super PACs, and 501(c) organizations; and polling, campaign management, the ground game, parties, and redistricting.

David Magleby, Brigham Young University

Thurber and Nelson’s text is an important resource that brings together perspectives of both academics and experienced campaign professionals to evaluate central elements of the 2016 campaign, making the case "that campaigns matter." While these insights consider the influence of recent changes in digital technology, data, and social media in an increasingly polarized society, they also connect their analysis of key variables – the political context, voters, messaging, and money -- to the fundamentals of successful political campaigns.

Amy E. Jasperson, Rhodes College

Campaigns and Elections American Style is the perfect companion to my unit on campaigns. The chapters are clearly written and appropriately sized, representing an ideal mix of academic analysis and practicioner experience. The new edition provides vital perspective on the 2016 election without over-focusing on its ideosyncrasies. The chapters on strategy, tactics, messaging, and communications are particularly useful for my in-class simulation.

Bruce F. Nesmith, Coe College

By combining insights from academic research on campaigns with first-hand experiences of campaign practitioners, Campaigns and Elections American Style provides a comprehensive and enlightening account of contemporary political campaigns at every level.

Rachel Bitecofer, Christopher Newport University

Candice J. Nelson is Professor of Government, and Academic Director of the Campaign Management Institute, at American University. She is the author of Grant Park: The Democratization of Presidential Elections: 1968-2008; co-author of The Myth of the Independent Voter, Vital Signs: Perspective on the Health of American Campaigning and The Money Chase: Congressional Campaign Finance Reform; and co-editor of Campaign Warriors: Political Consultants in Elections; Crowded Airways: Campaign Advertising in Elections; and Shades of Gray: Perspectives on Campaign Ethics.

James A. Thurber is Distinguished University Professor of Government, and Founder and former Director of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies, at American University. Dr. Thurber is the author, co-author, or editor of Obama In Office, Rivals for Power: Presidential-Congressional Relations; Campaign Warriors: Political Consultants in Elections; Crowded Airways: Campaign Advertising in Elections; The Battle for Congress: Consultants, Candidates; Voters, Congress and the Internet; and American Gridlock: The Sources, Character and Impact of Political Polarization.