Epic Journey: The 2008 Elections and American Politics

by James W. Ceaser, Andrew E. Busch, John J. Pitney Jr.

Overview

Noted campaign scholars James W. Ceaser, Andrew E. Busch, and John J. Pitney Jr. take readers along on the longest, most expensive, and in many ways most dramatic presidential campaign in American history. Drawing on their extensive knowledge of political history and deep resources of current political science, the authors capture the astonishing twists of fate, uncanny detours, and remarkable surprises that made the 2008 election truly historic. With President George W. Bush's approval ratings at record lows, the 2008 election was a contest that Democrats were predicted to win. And with Barack Obama's victory over John McCain, they did. But it was the highly unlikely journey to this likely destination that set this presidential election apart from others. As they have every four years since 1992, James W. Ceaser and Andrew E. Busch once again provide the most comprehensive and authoritative account of the presidential election. Joined on this book by John J. Pitney Jr., the authors chronicle the epic journey culminating in the election of the first African American president_of a group of extraordinary candidates and a nation. Epic Journey Authors' Blog: epicjourney2008.com

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742599680
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	04/16/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	221
File size:	731 KB

About the Author

James W. Ceaser is professor of politics at the University of Virginia. Andrew E. Busch is professor of government at Claremont McKenna College. Together they have written Red Over Blue: The 2004 Elections and American Politics, The Perfect Tie: The True Story of the 2000 Election, Losing to Win: The 1996 Elections and American Politics, and Upside Down and Inside Out: The 1992 Elections and American Politics. John J. Pitney Jr. is professor of government at Claremont McKenna College.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Prologue ix

1 The Scope and Meaning of the Democratic Victory 1

2 George W. Bush: The Other Candidate 35

3 The Republican Nomination Contest 53

4 The Democratic Nomination Contest 89

5 The General Election Campaign 131

6 Congressional and State Elections 163

7 The Future of American Politics and Institutions 189

Index 211

About the Authors 221

Editorial Reviews

Here's a useful book, by three academics, for all readers wishing to further understand the 2008 presidential campaign-and for those who think they already understand it! Although a Democrat was expected to win the presidency, the journey to that outcome was full of surprises; back stories, circumstances, strategies, and results are all described and objectively analyzed here. There is also a chapter on the congressional and state elections, and a conclusion-about the future. All readers will come away feeling as clearheaded as these writers, a tribute to their work.
—Margaret Heilbrun

Library Journal

Three political scientists trace Barack Obama's amazing journey from obscure Illinois legislator to leader of the free world in a measured, insightful account….Readers of all political persuasions will appreciate this book for its detailed look at an incredible election year. Three political scientists trace Barack Obama's amazing journey from obscure Illinois legislator to leader of the free world in a measured, insightful account….Readers of all political persuasions will appreciate this book for its detailed look at an incredible election year.

Salem Press

Discussing the effects of George W. Bush's term, Epic Journey is a fine historical read that will give readers a more complete and comprehensive understanding of the recent past. Epic Journey is a fine addition to any political collection.

Midwest Book Review

The authors offer a thorough academic and political analysis of both the Democratic and Republican primaries, as well as the significance of 2008's state and congressional contests. The authors also offer a careful analysis of the institutional issues that surfaced after last year's campaign.

Campaigns & Elections

From beginning to end, twists, detours, and surprises are the story of the 2008 election as it is retold and analyzed in this work. Hats off to Ceaser, Busch, and Pitney for a lively and excellent account!

David R. Mayhew

Readers of all political persuasions will appreciate this book for its detailed look at an incredible election year.

Magill Book Reviews

Once again the authors have produced a clear, comprehensive, and accurate account of the recent election. It is well grounded in the literature but unburdened by jargon. Epic Journey is a first rate book for students of politics and the general public.

Mel Kulbicki

Praise for James W. Ceaser and Andrew E. Busch's previous election studies:Red Over Blue is a fair, accurate, and insightful account of the 2004 election and a worthy successor to the authors' previous books on 1996 and 2000. Ceaser and Busch are fast becoming the 'scholars of record' of presidential campaigns.

John C. Green

Discussing the effects of George W. Bush's term, Epic Journey is a fine historical read that will give readers a more complete and comprehensive understanding of the recent past. Epic Journey is a fine addition to any political collection.

August 2009 Midwest Book Review

Three political scientists trace Barack Obama's amazing journey from obscure Illinois legislator to leader of the free world in a measured, insightful account….Readers of all political persuasions will appreciate this book for its detailed look at an incredible election year. Three political scientists trace Barack Obama's amazing journey from obscure Illinois legislator to leader of the free world in a measured, insightful account….Readers of all political persuasions will appreciate this book for its detailed look at an incredible election year.

Salem Press

The authors offer a thorough academic and political analysis of both the Democratic and Republican primaries, as well as the significance of 2008's state and congressional contests. The authors also offer a careful analysis of the institutional issues that surfaced after last year's campaign.

Campaigns and Elections

Discussing the effects of George W. Bush's term, Epic Journey is a fine historical read that will give readers a more complete and comprehensive understanding of the recent past. Epic Journey is a fine addition to any political collection.

August 2009 The Midwest Book Review