Studies in communication, media, and public opinion

Examines the role attack ads have played in American presidential elections throughout history, exploring how they originated and how they have been used by both parties for political gain.

Examines the influence of the news media in American politics, arguing that the government could not act or work without the news; and presents a model of the reporter as a key participant in decision-making and policy-making, and of the news media as a central political force in government.

Explores what Americans in general think about the poor--their images of poverty, their beliefs about its causes, and their notions of what the government's response to poverty should or should not be; and argues that cynical views of welfare and its recipients are permeated by racist beliefs.