Campaigns Inc.

Campaigns Inc.: Leone Baxter, Clem Whitaker, and the Invention of Political Consulting is as much a story about the colorful and dynamic social and political history of California from the 1930s to 1950s as it is the successful careers of Leone Baxter and Clem Whitaker, partners in life and work credited with revolutionizing political campaigning. Baxter and Whitaker understood how voters thought, and they used a willing media to target voters with messaging designed to impact at an emotional—if not always entirely factual or ethical—level. Myers’ book is a must read for scholars and students of politics and public relations. -- Lisa M. Parcell * Betty and Oliver Elliott Professor of Communication, Wichita State University, USA * Married couple Leone Baxter and Clem Whitaker, pioneers of political consulting, created practices still common in public relations and campaign communication today; but they also crossed ethical lines with controversial tactics. Through extensive archival research and with an engaging writing style, Myers brings their story to life—from their California gubernatorial campaigns against Sinclair Lewis and for Earl Warren to their discrediting of “socialized medicine”—detailing their lasting contributions to political communication and public relations. -- Lisa M. Burns * Quinnipiac University, Canada * This fabulous book expands the historiography of political consulting and public relations in America by examining the couple who defined campaigns in the 1930s through the 1950s. Leone Baxter and Clem Whitaker were provocative pioneers whose imprint can still be felt in 21st Century campaigns. One of the greatest contributions of this work is that it elevates Leone Baxter to her rightful place in history, and sheds light on a female practitioner who has been somewhat muted due to the sexism of her day. Cayce Myers deserves credit for bringing her to life. -- Pam Parry * Southeast Missouri State University, USA *