The Undecided Voter's Guide to the Next President

January 15, 2008
Supplementing the early and intense media and web coverage of the 2008 presidential election, these three books intend to help members of the general public cast an informed vote. Foer and Halperin specifically focus on the candidates, while the League of Women Voters clearly explains the election process. Foer (editor, "New Republic") and his colleagues gather their journal's previously published profiles of 13 candidates: five Democrats and eight Republicans, each group's essays presented in seemingly random order. One-page, resume-style information on the candidate is followed by a stylized portrait illustration by David Cowles and the signed essaywith analysis both of the contender's personality and positions. An appendix compares the candidates' stands on Iraq, foreign policy, energy, capitalism, immigration, health care, and social issues. Recommended for all public libraries.

Halperin (senior political analyst, "Time" magazine) profiles, in alphabetical order and considerable detail, the Republican and Democratic front-runners, then considers the remaining contenders in less detail. He has a more populist bent than Foer's and editorializes further about the candidates' chances. In a conversational style, he presents the positions of the front-runners on such issues as Iraq, government spending, health care, and gun control, along with areas of potential controversy, why each candidate could win, and what their presidencies would be like. With the swiftly changing political landscape and 24/7 media coverage, this volume already feels somewhat dated. Recommended for larger public library collections.

The League of Women Voters' offering is an essential text for understanding the process, laws, and issues that impact a U.S. presidential election. In chapters grounded in history and statistics, Guldin covers political parties, media, money, campaigning, primaries, conventions, and election day processes. The results serve to demystify the election process and clearly explain how both fundamental and controversial issues can impact election results. This timely guide offers regular citizens and specialists alike sound information on the mechanics and implications of the political process. Recommended for academic and public libraries.Donna L. Davey, NYU Lib.

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2007
With a crowded field ofpresidential candidates, voters need a way to sift through the ton of information from the press and the candidates themselves to come to a decision in 2008. Political analyst Halperin offers the kind of apples-to-apples comparisons that voters sometimes wish they had, beginning with a template of the hot-button issues of the day that includes the candidates record on the issue and relevant quotes. The best parts are Halperins analyses of whyparticular candidates can or cant winand what to expect of their presidency. Under John McCain, the nation could expect a crackdown on excessive government spending that would far exceed the efforts of Ronald Reagan or George W. Bush. A President Rudy Giuliani wouldemphasize quality-of-lifeissues while never letting the nation forget the threat of terrorism. Hillary Clintons presidency would have a record number of women in powerful positions and revive the nations fascination with her family and the prospect of Bill Clinton as First Husband. Barack Obamas presidency would provoke more interest in international trips than has been the case since the cold war.Others profiled include Joe Biden, John Edwards, Mitt Romney, and Fred Thompson. Chiding voters for focusing on who will win the presidential election rather than who will make the best president, Halperin offers a valuable guide for all voterswhether decided or undecided.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)