Sports and the American Presidency: From Theodore Roosevelt to Donald Trump

This book explores the relationship between US presidents and sports in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, tracing the connection from Theodore Roosevelt to Donald Trump. It examines the themes of fandom, advocacy of sports, and active participation by presidents and athletes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The relationship between the United States presidency and sports has been a complex and evolving one throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. This book explores the intricate connections between US presidents and athleticism, offering an up-to-date overview of the developing and symbiotic relationship between the nation's Commander in Chief and some of the nation's most popular pastimes.

Tracing the connection of sports and the presidency from Theodore Roosevelt to Donald Trump, the book examines the ways in which these two spheres have intersected and influenced each other. It analyzes the relationship between the presidency, sports, and individual athletes, including themes such as fandom, advocacy of sports, and active participation.

Exciting new research from emerging scholars is included alongside analysis from more established voices in the field, providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the topic.

The book is organized into three thematic sections, each approaching the relationship from different but related angles. The first section explores the historical roots of the relationship between sports and the presidency, examining how early presidents such as Roosevelt used sports to promote their political agendas and build public support. The second section examines how sports have been used as a platform for presidential advocacy and messaging, from the civil rights movement to environmental issues. The third section focuses on the ways in which individual athletes have influenced the presidency, from Muhammad Ali's activism to Michael Jordan's business ventures.

Overall, this book presents a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the symbiotic relationship between US presidents and sports, offering valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural implications of this dynamic relationship. It will be of interest to scholars, students, and anyone interested in the intersection of politics, sports, and popular culture.

Weight: 650g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399507943