The
presidential campaign of 2008 was unlike any other in history.
Remember: Just a year earlier, the pundits said Barack Obama
didn't
have a chance and John McCain's candidacy was considered dead in the
water. And who had ever heard of Sarah Palin? Why are we surprised that things didn't go the way
the
"experts" said they would? Campaign 2004 was unique, as was Campaign
2000. In fact, all presidential elections take on their own
special character. But even with their differences,
there
are also common threads that appear every election cycle. In Campaign 2008: The Media,
Politics and Persuasion, 104 students took a close look at the process of selecting the President
of the United States, as well the role of the media and so-called "Spin
Doctors" who help shape the process. Associate Professor David Guth,
who spent 15 years covering and participating in politics, helped guide
students through what he hoped was a lively exploration of
democracy in action. All good things must end. But take heart - Campaign 2012 will be here before you know it!
