Jody C. Baumgartner Libri

The book examines the transformative shifts in presidential campaigns over recent decades, highlighting advancements in communication technology, marketing strategies, and survey methodologies. It addresses the growing influence of non-party organizations and campaign professionals, alongside the diminishing role of political parties in candidate selection. Additionally, the work discusses significant alterations in campaign finance laws, providing a comprehensive analysis of these interconnected changes rather than viewing them in isolation.

Conventional Wisdom and American Elections debunks some of the more common misunderstandings that have arisen about the electoral process in the past few decades. Topics include campaign finance, political participation and voting, and the roles played by campaigns, negative campaigning, political parties, and the media in the electoral process.