Televised Presidential Debates and Public Policy

This updated edition is a must-have item for any serious student of democratic politics. It contains several encyclopedic bodies of information, including an extensive bibliography of U.S. books, journals, and symposia. Sidney Kraus has been our most assiduous student of America's signal contribution to political theater, and it is a service to the field that he continues to update his reports on what he has learned. -International Journal of Public Opinion Research This book is an important contribution to the growing literature on political debates...[It] is distinctive from others...in that it provides a historical perspective that is based on media influence as well as a thorough analysis of public policy implications from the perspectives of the public policy that is debated as well as the public policy that surrounds funding, sponsorship, broadcast, and participation in debates...Kraus' personal involvement as [a participant] observer and researcher going back to the 1960 debates adds a perspective and content that other authors simply cannot equal. His access to people at the heart of debate productions provides resource material that is unique to this book. -Diana B. Carlin University of Kansas An eminent scholar and authority on presidential debates, Professor Sidney Kraus has brought his classic book up to date. His insight and perspective focus new light on a most important part of our democratic process. -Newton N. Minow Board Member, Commission on Presidential Debates and Former Chairman, Federal Co