Red Over Blue: The 2004 Elections And American Politics

by James W. Ceaser, Andrew E. Busch

From moral values to weapons of mass destruction, from exit polls to Swift Boat Veterans, from red states to blue states, the 2004 Presidential election left an indelible mark on American politics. In Red over Blue: The 2004 Election and American Politics, James W. Ceaser and Andrew E. Busch go beyond headlines and soundbites to explore the events, outcomes, and effects of the most recent exercise in American democracy. Beginning with an analysis of George W. Bush's first term and continuing through the primaries, general election, and aftermath, the authors share their insight and analysis through a clear and engaging narrative. Ceaser & Busch also look beyond the Presidential contest to examine important house, senate and gubernatorial races, as well as controversial state initiatives that played an important role in the 2004 election season. Building on Ceaser & Busch's studies of the 1992, 1996, and 2000 elections, this volume is essential reading for courses in American Government, Campaigns and Elections, and Presidential Politics, as well as for any American interested in the real and lasting importance of the 2004 elections.

Genres: Politics

214 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2005

Reviews

[Chris Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was one of the many Americans who could not believe the outcome of the 2004 presidential election and needed a great deal of explanation why anybody would have voted for George W. Bush. At the time it seemed like people were grasping at straws to account for this: it was the "values voters", Ohio was rigged, etc. This book takes a clear-eyed and unbiased look at the election, including a fascinating and well-told history of the Democratic nominating contest, the 2000 election, and the Bush presidency to that point. The authors (writing in 2005, obviously pre-Katrina, pre-Terri Schaivo, pre-Scooter Libby, etc.) predicted a fundamental shift toward conservatism and the right which has not taken shape, but since the reality of post-9/11 (or post 2000) politics has proved more volatile than previous periods, they may be forgiven for their inaccurate predictions.

Overall this is a great read for those interested in the big picture of what happened in America in that fateful year - 2004.