On Deaf Ears: The Limits of the Bully Pulpit - Hardcover

Edwards III, George C.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0300100094 ISBN 13: 9780300100099

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2003

Synopsis

In this book, George Edwards analyzes the results of hundreds of public opinion polls from recent presidencies to assess the success of these efforts. Surprisingly, he finds that presidents typically are not able to change public opinion, even great, communicators usually fail to obtain the public's support for their high-priority initiatives. According to Edwards, the bully pulpit has proven infective not only for achieving majority support but also for increasing support from a smaller base. Focusing on presidents' personae, their messages, and the American public, he explains why presidents are typically unable to move public opinion and suggests that their efforts to do so may be counterproductive. Edwards argues that shoring up previously existing support is the principal benefit to be gained from going public and that "staying private" - negotiating quietly with elites - may often be more conductive to a president's legislative success.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

"Every serious scholar and student of American politics should read this book. It will surely be 'must reading' for any course on the American presidency."-Robert Y. Shapiro, Columbia University

About the Author:

George C. Edwards III is Distinguished Professor and the George and Julia Blucher Jordan Chair in Presidential Studies, Texas A & M University.

About this edition

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0300100094
• ISBN 13: 9780300100099
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320