Synopses & Reviews
If Hillary Clinton won the Democratic Party nomination in 2008, it would continue a trend of a Bush or a Clinton being on a national presidential ticket for the last 28 years in the United States. Never before in the history of the nation have two families dominated the political process in such a manner. This two-family domination has endangered the American presidency as a representative institution and has allowed personal, family issues to dominate policymaking at a crucial time in American history. The problems with the Hillary Clinton campaign in 2008 and the current struggles of the second Bush presidency should give pause to those Americans who are contemplating a second Clinton presidency or a third Bush presidency. By examining the political careers of three Bushes (George H.W., George W. and Jeb) and two Clintons (Bill and Hillary), this book will highlight the problems and the consequences of combining the most powerful political office in the world with family legacies.
Review
“Matt Corrigans provocative thesis—that presidents with familial ties pose a threat to the presidency and even to American democracy—uses the tools of a skilled presidentialist to examine a subject on everyones mind: the dynastic presidential politics echoed in names like Bush and Clinton. Presidential dynasty is nothing new (think Adams and Harrison). But the powerful modern presidency demands that we confront Corrigans arguments in this important new book.”—Robert J. Spitzer, Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science, SUNY Cortland and author of Saving the Constitution from Lawyers
“Matt Corrigans book raises serious questions every person should consider about the presidency in this postmodern, media-saturated environment. We may be at a time in our polity when too much name recognition is a prelude to disaster.”—David Woodard, Professor of Political Science, Clemson University
“Corrigans American Royalty represents an insightful analysis of the prospects and challenges raised by the domination of the Presidency by two families. This provocative work is important reading for those concerned about the future of American politics and the status of democracy.”—David Gray Adler, Professor Political Science, Idaho State University
Synopsis
The Bush-Clinton families' hold on the American presidency is a danger to the presidency itself and to American democracy. This book will highlight the problems and the consequences of combining the most powerful political office in the world with family legacies.
About the Author
Matthew Corrigan Ph.D. is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of North Florida. His research interests include Southern politics and the American Presidency. Recent publications include Race, Religion and Economic Change. During the aftermath of the 2000 presidential election, he was a consultant to Duval County, Florida and assisted county leaders in reforming the countys voting system. He was previously President of the Florida Political Science Association. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife Mary and son John.
Table of Contents
American Democracy and Family Presidencies * Chapter 3: Families Matter * The Father Begins a Dynasty * The Clintons Take Power * The Bush Redemption * From First Lady to President? * The Prince in Waiting