Conventional Wisdom and American Elections Exploding Myths, Exploring Misconceptions

by Baumgartner, Jody C.; Francia, Peter L.

• ISBN13: 9781442200883
• ISBN10: 144220088X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-04-16
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Summary

Conventional Wisdom and American Elections: Exploding Myths, Exploring Misconceptions debunks many common myths that have arisen about the electoral process in the past few decades. Topics include campaign finance, political participation and voting, and the role of campaigns, negative campaigning, political parties, and the role the media plays in the electoral process. Each chapter offers comprehensive coverage of the subject matter, and is written in a manner that is accessible to undergraduate students.

Author Biography

Jody C. Baumgartner is assistant professor of political science at East Carolina University. Peter L. Francia is associate professor of political science at East Carolina University.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations	p. ix
Preface	p. xiii
Acknowledgments	p. xvii
Voters
Vanishing Voters: Misconceptions about Voter Turnout and the Youth Vote	p. 3
A Polarized Nation? "The Culture War" and Divisions in American Politics	p. 17
The Myth of Independent and Swing Voters	p. 37
Following Campaigns
Misconceptions about Campaign Finance Reform: What Regulations Have and Have Not Accomplished	p. 49
The "Veepstakes": Balancing the Ticket and Other Myths about Vice Presidential Selection	p. 67
Myth or Reality? Presidential Campaigns Have Become Nastier	p. 83
Science or Voodoo? Misconceptions about National Election Polls	p. 99
"It's the Ratings, Stupid": Misconceptions about Media Bias	p. 113
A "Dime's Worth of Difference"? Political Parties and the Myth of Tweedledum and Tweedledee	p. 127
Understanding Election Outcomes
Selling the President: The "Image is Everything" Myth	p. 145
The Illusion of Competitive Congressional Elections	p. 159
"Kingmaker" and Battleground States and the Myth of National Presidential Elections	p. 179
Notes	p. 197
Index	p. 231
About the Authors	p. 241
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