O.O.P.S.; observing our politicians stumble; the worst candidate gaffes and recoveries in presidential campaigns. by Frantzich, Stephen - 2012

Praeger, 2012. Hardbound. New Book. Hardbound. Offering both humor and serious analysis, this work for general readers, students, and those in politics and the media examines gaffes by presidential candidates from 1968 to 2012. Frantzich (political science, US Naval Academy) explains why some gaffes can destroy a politician's chances while others are quickly forgotten, looking at media and public reactions. Gaffes were selected based on how much difference they seemed to make to the campaign. Early chapters chart how gaffes evolve from private mistakes into public embarrassments or disasters. About 40 brief entries describe tactical mistakes and misstatements of presidential candidates and presidents from George Romney in 1968 to Barack Obama in 2009. As much as possible, the entries rely on empirical evidence in the form of polls and media coverage. Final chapters reflect on the role of the media in presidential campaigns and debate whether gaffes in political debates are distractions or enhancements. The book is illustrated with b&w photos and political cartoons. (2012 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR)