The Architects of Toxic Politics in America: Venom and Vitriol explains the history of poison politics in America by profiling some of the key political “attack dogs” who have shaped the modern landscape.
Comparing and contrasting the Trump and Biden presidencies with administrations of the past, the book explains the unique character of the current toxic political moment and the forces that have created it. The book also focuses quite extensively on “non-presidential” architects of toxic politics: other politicians, campaign strategists, activists, and media figures (and a few key figures that have fulfilled two or more of these roles). Drawing on his long career as a journalist specializing in presidential coverage, Kenneth T. Walsh argues that due to the complex, often conflicting nature of American government, the angriest, most decisive voices can command media, voter, and legislative attention and thereby maintain and consolidate power. This results in frustration, alienation, and cynicism—and ultimately, a diminishment of voter participation that can reinforce the vicious cycle and lead to electoral disaster.
For anyone interested in politics, media, and the culture of “gotcha” journalism, this book will also be a valuable addition to undergraduate and graduate courses on politics, the presidency, political and media ethics, campaign history and government.
By:
Kenneth T. Walsh
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 229mm,
Width: 152mm,
Weight: 610g
ISBN: 9780367710507
ISBN 10: 0367710501
Pages: 230
Publication Date: 16 April 2024
Audience:
General/trade
,
College/higher education
,
ELT Advanced
,
Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Introduction : The Reckoning PART I THE PRESIDENTS1 The Early Presidents and the Rise of Negativity 2 How Presidents of the Modern Era Fomented Attack Politics 3 Richard Nixon and the Rise of Toxicity 4 Presidents Who Stayed Mostly Above the Fray 5 Donald Trump, the Most Negative President of All 6 Joe Biden Attempts to Restore Civility 7 First Ladies’ Benign Influence, with Exceptions Photo Essay PART II A ROGUES’ GALLERY OF TOXIC INFLUENCERS8 Influential Caustic Politicians 9 The Role of the Mainstream News Media 10 Public Commentators and Polemicists 11 Proselytizers of Division, Entrepreneurs of Polarization and Operatives of Attack Conclusion
Kenneth T. Walsh is a journalist, historian and author. He covered the White House for more than 30 years for U.S. News & World Report and he is former president of the White House Correspondents’ Association. He is an adjunct professorial lecturer at the American University School of Communication in Washington, D.C.
