Public Opinion: In the battle for public opinion, should presidential candidates pay attention to polls or is their importance/affects overstated? UAlbany Provost and Officer in Charge Susan Herbst offers insight into reactions, behavior, and events that can shift public opinion. Herbst's expertise also includes political media coverage, campaigns and elections and political behavior. She has authored numerous books and 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).

Mass Media: The Internet and blogs have already played a prominent role in the presidential nomination campaigns. Both Republican and Democratic candidates have focused heavily on bolstering their Internet presence through video, podcasts and online video chats. Communication professor William Husson, who teaches courses on diverse facets of the media-society relationship, can explain the role and impact of the Internet and media on political campaigns. He also specializes in popular culture; news; and mass media effects.

Minorities and the Presidency: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama 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 offers expertise on the entire field of candidates for the 2008 presidential election. Her expertise includes local, state, national and international politics; campaigns and elections; and public policy.

Electoral Systems: Caucasus and primaries' role and importance, the voting system and other topics are political science professor Joseph Zimmerman's expertise. He has published and taught extensively on the Electoral College, as well as federalism and the impact of election systems on minorities and women.

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