How did George W. Bush change from being a "regular person" in front of reporters to a master of information control? Or was there a change after all? Towel Snapping the Press follows Bush's lifelong association with the press, showing how he has developed and modified his tactics—from his days as part owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team to the present, with a look back at young George during his grandfather's 1950 Senate campaign. During Bush's early years in the public eye, the press did not scrutinize him; but as president, he became a subject of intense analysis and his "relaxed" demeanor became a pitfall. Still, many reporters find the president's disposition charming, even while they are frustrated by his message discipline and rigid control of press access to administration sources. Towel Snapping the Press not only presents interesting stories about the president from reporters' points of view, but also raises important issues that any civically engaged citizen will want to explore.
A lively saga of the evolution of how George W. Bush learned to interact with the news media. . . . One of the most entertaining aspects of the book is the countless stories of Bush interacting with members of the news media. Recommended.
Library Journal
COMMMueller (journalism, Univ. of North Texas) narrows the analysis down to one president, George W. Bush's, successful management of the press. The Bush administration has been widely credited for its ability to stay on message and control leaks, with the President maintaining a convivial public image while keeping the press corps at arm's length. Mueller explores the long history of Bush's association with the press, beginning with his co-ownership of the Texas Rangers and continuing through his governorship before coming to Washington. Bush's deep understanding of the working of the press and his ability to ignore press criticism allow him to govern with little regard for the media. In addition, Mueller argues, journalists' efforts to be objective have contributed to the lack of negative coverage of the Bush administration. He points out that the competition of new media, such as blogs, may make objectivity an outmoded press value. The most specialized of these books; for academic libraries. . Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Chapter 1 Foreword Chapter 2 1. Friends for a Long Time Chapter 3 2. Not His Father's (Or Grandfather's) Press Relations Chapter 4 3. Message Discipline Before It Was Cool Chapter 5 4. Plugging Leaks Chapter 6 5. The Dark Side Chapter 7 6. The Plain Talk of Bushisms Chapter 8 7. Towel Snapping Chapter 9 8. Shaving the Ear Hair Chapter 10 9. Eating the Zombies Chapter 11 10. No One Will Do It Better Chapter 12 Bibliography
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More About This Textbook
Overview
How did George W. Bush change from being a "regular person" in front of reporters to a master of information control? Or was there a change after all? Towel Snapping the Press follows Bush's lifelong association with the press, showing how he has developed and modified his tactics—from his days as part owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team to the present, with a look back at young George during his grandfather's 1950 Senate campaign. During Bush's early years in the public eye, the press did not scrutinize him; but as president, he became a subject of intense analysis and his "relaxed" demeanor became a pitfall. Still, many reporters find the president's disposition charming, even while they are frustrated by his message discipline and rigid control of press access to administration sources. Towel Snapping the Press not only presents interesting stories about the president from reporters' points of view, but also raises important issues that any civically engaged citizen will want to explore.
Editorial Reviews
Choice
A lively saga of the evolution of how George W. Bush learned to interact with the news media. . . . One of the most entertaining aspects of the book is the countless stories of Bush interacting with members of the news media. Recommended.Library Journal
COMMMueller (journalism, Univ. of North Texas) narrows the analysis down to one president, George W. Bush's, successful management of the press. The Bush administration has been widely credited for its ability to stay on message and control leaks, with the President maintaining a convivial public image while keeping the press corps at arm's length. Mueller explores the long history of Bush's association with the press, beginning with his co-ownership of the Texas Rangers and continuing through his governorship before coming to Washington. Bush's deep understanding of the working of the press and his ability to ignore press criticism allow him to govern with little regard for the media. In addition, Mueller argues, journalists' efforts to be objective have contributed to the lack of negative coverage of the Bush administration. He points out that the competition of new media, such as blogs, may make objectivity an outmoded press value. The most specialized of these books; for academic libraries. . Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.Product Details
Related Subjects
Meet the Author
James E. Mueller is associate professor of journalism at the University of North Texas.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Foreword Chapter 2 1. Friends for a Long Time Chapter 3 2. Not His Father's (Or Grandfather's) Press Relations Chapter 4 3. Message Discipline Before It Was Cool Chapter 5 4. Plugging Leaks Chapter 6 5. The Dark Side Chapter 7 6. The Plain Talk of Bushisms Chapter 8 7. Towel Snapping Chapter 9 8. Shaving the Ear Hair Chapter 10 9. Eating the Zombies Chapter 11 10. No One Will Do It Better Chapter 12 Bibliography