ALBANY, N.Y. (February 16, 2007) -- Public opinion polls and the presidency, mass media and the presidency, the democratic process and presidential elections, 2008 presidential elections, and Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War covered by UAlbany's U.S. presidency experts.
PUBLIC OPINION polls show President George W. Bush's approval ratings have hit all-time lows due to his handling of foreign policy, particularly the War in Iraq. Provost and Officer in Charge Susan Herbst can offer insight into reactions, behavior, and events that can shift public opinion. Herbst has authored numerous academic works, including Reading Public Opinion: Political Actors View the Democratic Process (University of Chicago Press, 1998) and Politics at the Margin: Historical Studies of Public Expression Outside the Mainstream (Cambridge University Press, 1994).
THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE played a significant role in the 2000 election, resurrecting the debate over its importance versus the popular vote. Some states are proposing to reform the system or to sidestep the electoral college altogether. Political science professor Joseph Zimmerman has published and taught extensively on the subject, as well as federalism, and the impact of election systems on minorities and women.
THE CIVIL WAR helped shape the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, much like the War in Iraq is shaping George W. Bush's presidential legacy. History professor Amy Murrell Taylor has taught on the U.S. Civil War and the contributions of leaders such as Lincoln and is working on a study of how emancipation played out in everyday life during the Civil War.
MASS MEDIA, including the Internet and blogs, can influence a presidency, particularly the public's perception of a U.S. president. Communication professor William Husson has taught courses that address diverse facets of the media-society relationship. He also specializes in popular culture; news; and mass media effects.
HILLARY CLINTON AND BARACK OBAMA are emerging as the leading candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination for the 2008 elections. Both would be ground-breaking candidates if they receive their party's nomination - Clinton as the first woman and Obama as the first black nominee. Political scientist Helen Desfosses can talk about the field of candidates for the 2008 presidential election. Her expertise includes local, state, national and international politics; campaigns and elections; and public policy.
Visit UAlbany's extensive, searchable roster of faculty experts.
Visit the University Art Museum, which is hosting a group exhibition of non-traditional portraits of United States Presidents in the provocative exhibit, "Mr. President".
