Preface Chapter 1 Politics Is Communication Campaigning During the Iraq War
Politics and Political Power The Role of Communication The U.S. Presidency The Outline for This Book My Goals for This Book
Chapter 2 The Long Campaign The Role of Political Parties
The Role of Special Interest and Lobbying Groups Gender Politics An Expanded Role for Political Consultants Mass-Mediated Politics
Chapter 3 Political Socialization The Role of the Family
Schools and Civic Education The Relationship of Church and State The Mass Media The Agenda-Setting Function of the Press The Formation of Ideology
Chapter 4 Crafting Political Images Creating an Image
Dimensions of Image The Power of Public Discourse
Chapter 5 How the News Media Shape Political Campaigns The Primary Sources of Political News
The Agenda-Setting Function of the News Media The Campaign News Environment The Content of Campaign News Planting Seeds of Cynicism and Doubt
Chapter 6 Political Advertising Parades, Banners, and Buttons
Newspaper Display Advertisements The Advent of Radio The Television Campaign Direct Mail Advertising Telephone Advertising Advertising Strategies What Political Advertising Can Achieve Negative Attack-Style Advertisements The Consequences of Negative Advertising
Chapter 7 Telling the People What They Want to Hear: The Importance of Public Opinion Polls The History of Political Polling
The Polls and Campaign Strategy Let the Consumer Beware Conducting the Polls Interpreting and Reporting the Results The Costs of Anonymity The Mandate of Public Opinion
Chapter 8 The Impact of New Communications Technologies on Political Campaigns The Internet
The Internet and Political Campaigns Accessing News Online Cyberspace and the Public Sphere
Chapter 9 Televised Campaign Debates Are Televised Debates "Real" Debates?
The Effects of Debates on Voter Knowledge and Voting Behavior The "Spin" The "Appearance of Rationality"
Chapter 10 Financing Campaigns: The Relationship Between Money and Politics Campaign Contribution Controversies in Recent Campaigns
The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 Politics As Usual Only the Wealthy Need Apply Campaign Finance Reform
Chapter 11 Campaigning and Governing Campaigns Breed Cynicism
Contemporary Political Practices May Result in Flawed Policy Making Divisive Political Discourse Undermines Attempts to Achieve National Unity Lobbyists and Special Interest Governance The Politics of Character and the Search for Scandal The Legacy of the Politics of Scandal Conclusion
Chapter 12 The Crisis in American Democracy Political Cynicism Is Common
The Causes of Political Cynicism Liberty, Civility, and Trust Reinventing Politics in America Finding Your Voice Suggested Political Reforms Conclusion Works Cited Index