Epic Journey
The 2008 Elections and American Politics
Published on 16. April 2009
Book
Paperback/Softback
234 pages
978-0-7425-6136-6 (ISBN)
Description
Noted campaign scholars James W. Ceaser, Andrew E. Busch, and John J. Pitney, Jr. take readers along on the longest, most expensive, and in many ways most dramatic presidential campaign in American history. Drawing on their extensive knowledge of political history and deep resources of current political science, the authors capture the astonishing twists of fate, uncanny detours, and remarkable surprises that made the 2008 election truly historic. With President George W. Bush's approval ratings at record lows, the 2008 election was a contest that Democrats were predicted to win. And with Barack Obama's victory over John McCain, they did. But it was the highly unlikely journey to this likely destination that set this presidential election apart from others. As they have every four years since 1992, James W. Ceaser and Andrew E. Busch once again provide the most comprehensive and authoritative account of the presidential election. Joined on this book by John J. Pitney, Jr., the authors chronicle the epic journey-culminating in the election of the first African American president-of a group of extraordinary candidates and a nation. IEpic Journey Authors' Blog: www.epicjourney2008.com
Reviews / Votes
From beginning to end, twists, detours, and surprises are the story of the 2008 election as it is retold and analyzed in this work. Hats off to Ceaser, Busch, and Pitney for a lively and excellent account! -- David R. Mayhew, Sterling Professor of political science, Yale University Here's a useful book, by three academics, for all readers wishing to further understand the 2008 presidential campaign-and for those who think they already understand it! ...All readers will come away feeling as clearheaded as these writers, a tribute to their work. Library Journal, Starred Review, April 2009 Praise for James W. Ceaser and Andrew E. Busch's previous election studies: Ceaser and Busch do an excellent job of placing the 2000 election into a broader context of elections and politics in the United States over time... Library Journal The authors offer a thorough academic and political analysis of both the Democratic and Republican primaries, as well as the significance of 2008's state and congressional contests. The authors also offer a careful analysis of the institutional issues that surfaced after last year's campaign. Campaigns & Elections Once again the authors have produced a clear, comprehensive, and accurate account of the recent election. It is well grounded in the literature but unburdened by jargon. Epic Journey is a first rate book for students of politics and the general public. -- Mel Kulbicki, York College of Pennsylvania Praise for James W. Ceaser and Andrew E. Busch's previous election studies: Red Over Blue is a fair, accurate, and insightful account of the 2004 election and a worthy successor to the authors' previous books on 1996 and 2000. Ceaser and Busch are fast becoming the 'scholars of record' of presidential campaigns. -- John C. Green, University of Akron Praise for James W. Ceaser and Andrew E. Busch's previous election studies: Ceaser and Busch do an excellent job of placing the 2000 election into a broader context of elections and politics in the United States over time. Library Journal Discussing the effects of George W. Bush's term, Epic Journey is a fine historical read that will give readers a more complete and comprehensive understanding of the recent past. Epic Journey is a fine addition to any political collection. Midwest Book Review, August 2009 Readers of all political persuasions will appreciate this book for its detailed look at an incredible election year. Magill Book Reviews Three political scientists trace Barack Obama's amazing journey from obscure Illinois legislator to leader of the free world in a measured, insightful account...Readers of all political persuasions will appreciate this book for its detailed look at an incredible election year. Three political scientists trace Barack Obama's amazing journey from obscure Illinois legislator to leader of the free world in a measured, insightful account...Readers of all political persuasions will appreciate this book for its detailed look at an incredible election year. Salem PressMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 230 mm
Width: 155 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
363 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7425-6136-6 (9780742561366)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
James W. Ceaser is professor of politics at the University of Virginia. Andrew E. Busch is professor of government at Claremont McKenna College. Together they have written Red Over Blue: The 2004 Elections and American Politics, The Perfect Tie: The True Story of the 2000 Election, Losing to Win: The 1996 Elections and American Politics, and Upside Down and Inside Out: The 1992 Elections and American Politics. John J. Pitney, Jr. is professor of government at Claremont McKenna College.
Content
Chapter 1 1. The Scope and Meaning of the Democratic Victory Chapter 2 2. George W. Bush: The Other Candidate Chapter 3 3. The Republican Nomination Contest Chapter 4 4. The Democratic Nomination Contest Chapter 5 5. The General Election Campaign Chapter 6 6. Congressional and State Elections Chapter 7 7. The Future of American Politics and Institutions