Political Science
3300
The American Presidency
Monday, September 22, 2008
Choosing
the President
4. The General Election
c. The voters' choice
d. Realignment and Party
coalitions: Is 2008 a Realigning Election?
The Public Presidency
Americans hold the president responsible for national security,
for war and peace
We give the president responsibility
for energetic, active government leadership
Americans treat the president
as a national celebrity
The Public Spectacle
nAmericans
think it is “essential” for presidents to
have sound judgment, strong leadership, compassion,
and high ethical standards
n
nThe
winner of the presidential election is a successful
and experienced political campaigner
so …
nPresidential
administrations can and do
stage manage the presidency to make it appear
that’s Americans are getting what they want
The Permanent Campaign (“going public”)