American Presidential Candidate Spouses: The Public's Perspective

The book provides a comprehensive analysis of public opinion toward presidential candidate spouses over three decades, drawing on theoretical frameworks and empirical data to explore why some spouses engender greater support than others. It considers important trends in U.S. elections, including party polarization and historic firsts, and places public reaction to these individuals in historical context.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 12 April 2018
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

The book delves into a comprehensive examination of public attitudes towards presidential candidate spouses spanning three decades, utilizing diverse theoretical frameworks such as "new traditionalism" and a wealth of empirical data to unravel the factors that contribute to varying levels of support among these individuals. Recognizing the significance of presidential candidate spouses as understudied political figures, this work offers an in-depth analysis of public perceptions of Bill Clinton and Melania Trump during the 2016 presidential election, as well as the presidential candidate spouses in the 1992 and 2012 elections. By contextualizing these reactions within historical frameworks, the book sheds light on the evolving dynamics of American politics and the gendered nature of the American presidency.

Furthermore, the book explores crucial trends in U.S. elections, including party polarization, from the unique perspectives of candidate spouses, highlighting the symbolic significance of historic firsts such as the first African American candidate spouse and the first male candidate spouse. No other work offers a systematic exploration of public opinion towards candidate spouses as distinct political entities across the modern political era.

The study's findings shed light on the complex dynamics that shape public perceptions and attitudes towards presidential candidate spouses, providing valuable insights into the role these individuals play in shaping the political landscape and the broader societal discourse surrounding gender roles and leadership.

Weight: 246g
Dimension: 149 x 210 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783319738789
Edition number: 1st ed. 2018