Evaluating Campaign Quality Can the Electoral Process be Improved [Paperback]

Argues for a different approach to campaign conduct and political discourse in American elections.This book argues that a different approach to campaign conduct and political discourse in American elections is clearly called for if improved campaigning is the goal.This book argues that a different approach to campaign conduct and political discourse in American elections is clearly called for if improved campaigning is the goal.For a number of years, voters and academic observers have been dissatisfied with American campaigns. Contemporary races are seen as too negative, too superficial, and too unfair or misleading. Based on these complaints, a variety of reform organizations have targeted millions of dollars to improve the situation. This book seeks to evaluate whether these activities have improved the level of campaign discourse and conduct in U.S. House and Senate campaigns and argues that while individual reform efforts have achieved some of their stated objectives, the overall effect of these reform efforts has been disappointing. A different approach to campaign conduct and political discourse in American elections is clearly called for if improved campaigning is the goal.Preface; 1. Campaign reformers: optimists, skeptics, and rejectionists; 2. Dissemination of campaign practices; 3. Impact on campaign conduct; 4. Impact on campaign discourse; 5. Impact on public perceptions; 6. Improving the system; Appendices: A. Data and methodology; B. Public opinion survey; C. Consultant survey; D. Focus group protocol. Maisel, West and Clifton present a thorough, multi-faceted, and ultimately highly sobering assessment of campaign reform. Campaign quality might be improved with systemic change that fundamentally alters the incentive structure operating on candidates and their consultants, but more modest reforms appear almost certain to fail.
-Jeffery Mondak, University of Illinois The desire to reform our political campaigns to improve the quality and dl£‰