Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
A provocative evaluation of electoral trends--distrust of government, desire for a renewal of the American dream, decreasing voter turnout, support for self-government, debate over the shape of political conflict--which McWilliams characterizes as a politics of disappointment. Includes an incisive analysis of the Clinton years and the impeachment trial.
Synopsis
Almost two decades of American elections have been marked by a politics of disappointment -- distrust of government, yearning for a renewal of the American dream, decreasing voter turnout, desire for self-government, debate over the future shape of political conflict. McWilliams expertly chronicles the varied electoral trends since 1980, including chapters with the latest research on national elections with up-to-date analyses of the 1996 and 1998 elections and an evaluation of the impeachment trial.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [133]-160) and index.
Table of Contents
Preface -- Introduction -- Presidential leadership and changing parties: the election of 1980 -- Old virtues, new magic: the election of 1984 -- Enchantment's ending: the election of 1988 -- Thinking about tomorrow worriedly: the election of 1992 -- Uncertainties at mid-crossing: the election of 1996 -- Beyond disappointment: exhaustion and hope in the elections of 1998 -- Appendixes. A. The 1980 presidential vote. B. The 1984 presidential vote. C. The 1988 presidential vote. D. The 1992 presidential vote. E. The 1996 presidential vote -- Notes -- Index -- About the author.