James A. Thurber Knihy

"Campaign politics has become increasingly professionalized in recent years. The growing prevalence and influence of paid consultants in the United States and other democracies is one of the most important factors changing the nature of electoral politics. Campaign Warriors thoroughly examines this critical—and controversial—development and its impact on the political system in the U.S. and other countries. The contributors approach the topic from several different perspectives, including the increasing use of ""spin doctors"" and the resulting loss of influence of state and national political parties. The book investigates the role of these paid who they are, what they do and why, and how they feel about their work. The contributors discuss the consultant's relationship with candidates and parties, and analyze the effect of their efforts on election outcome."

Leading political scientists and experienced campaign professionals unite to explore the intricacies of American campaigns and elections alongside academic theories and research. This volume offers a comprehensive education in practical campaign politics, featuring new and revised essays. Contributors analyze the evolution of election campaigns, highlighting innovations such as town meetings, bus tours, talk radio, infomercials, and focus groups. The text delves into how campaign themes and strategies are developed and communicated, the importance of advanced tactics, and the necessity of mobilizing volunteers. It also discusses the value of early campaign funding, strategies for gaining media coverage at no cost, and the effective use of focus groups and survey research in winning elections. With a balanced perspective from both Democratic and Republican viewpoints, as well as insights from male and female campaign professionals, this volume examines national and local campaigns during the 2000 and 2002 election cycles. It serves as a valuable resource for students, citizens, candidates, and campaign managers, emphasizing the ethical imperative of winning elections. Ideal for courses in American government, it is essential reading for political enthusiasts and serious students of the electoral process.

Leading political scientists and seasoned campaign professionals, many of whom played key roles in the 1992 and 1994 elections, unite to explore the intricacies of American campaigns and elections alongside academic theories. Their insights reveal both alignments and tensions between theory and practice. For instance, Paul Herrnson's research on volunteerism aligns with grassroots expert Will Robinson's field operations experience, while William Hamilton and Raymond Wolfinger's essays highlight discrepancies in the use of campaign surveys. Sam Popkin exemplifies this blend of academia and practical experience, having advised the Clinton campaign. The essays offer a comprehensive education in practical campaign politics, detailing the evolution of election strategies leading to the 1992 phenomena, including town meetings, bus tours, and focus groups. They address critical aspects such as theme setting, communication strategies, the importance of early funding, media engagement, and the role of advanced tactics in mobilizing volunteers. This volume presents a balanced perspective from both Democratic and Republican viewpoints, scrutinizing campaigns up to 1994 with an eye toward 1996. Ideal for students, citizens, and campaign managers, this work emphasizes the necessity of ethical campaigning. It emerges from the collaboration of campaign professionals and academics at American University's Campaign Management Institute, maki