See How They Ran

November 4, 1991
McGill University history professor Troy offers an original, fascinating and admirably focused account of American presidential campaigns from George Washington to George Bush. The author sees the evolution of campaigns as an attempt to balance the contradictions of republican and democratic principles inherent in our government since the nation was founded: ``The president was to be both king and prime minister, a national figurehead and the people's representative.'' Up to and including the candidacy of Andrew Jackson--whose election is said to have signaled the triumph of popular democracy--candidates ``stood'' for rather than ``ran'' for office. In 1880 James Garfield's single brief trip from his native Ohio to New York introduced ``stumping,'' which figured prominently in William Jennings Bryant's 1896 campaign. In Troy's view, Theodore Roosevelt was first to manipulate the press; Franklin Roosevelt used the radio to greatest advantage; and Dwight Eisenhower's aides made TV a potent weapon. Troy does not adopt the common view that the presidential election process has degenerated; instead he sees merely a shift in emphasis.

November 1, 1991
Troy's scholarship successfully demonstrates that Americans have a long tradition of frustration with presidential campaigns. He shatters the mythic notion that campaigns in the "good old days" were dignified contests waged by scrupulously worthy candidates. Thoroughly authoritative, his study is not meant to supplant Arthur Schlesinger Jr. and Fred Israel's comprehensive standard, Histo ry of American Presidential Elections, 1789-1968 ( LJ 9/15/71); rather it relates in colorful and personal detail the conduct of presidential candidates since 1840 in their struggle to meet the sometimes whimsical, often conflicting expectations of the electorate. A unique acquisition for collections emphasizing politics and government and essential reading for followers of political contests.-- Susan E. Parker, Harvard Law Sch. Lib.

Copyright 1991 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.