Description
Book SynopsisExamining the polling practices of six presidential administrations - those of Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton - this work dissects the poll apparatus of each period. It contends that while White House polls significantly influence presidential messages, their impact is limited.
Trade Review"
Polling to Govern is a thoughtful, detailed, and significant analysis of how six U.S. presidents from Richard Nixon to Bill Clinton used public opinion polls to develop presidential leadership." --
Perspectives on Political Science"A thoughtful, thorough analysis of White House polling operations and the data obtained from those polls." --
Choice"Employing superb historical instincts and considerable research skills, [Heith] has produced a nuanced evaluation of 'the permanent campaign,' the seemingly constant presidential search for high approval ratings." --
Journal of Interdisciplinary History"[
Polling to Govern] offers lots of interesting findings and insights. Students of the presidency will surely profit from reading [it]." -- Presidential Studies Quarterly
