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PUTTING IT IN WRITING: AN EXAMINATION OF PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE PLATFORMS IN THE 1992ELECTION
Author(s) -
Cammarano Joseph,
Josefson Jim
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
southeastern political review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1747-1346
pISSN - 0730-2177
DOI - 10.1111/j.1747-1346.1995.tb00409.x
Subject(s) - presidential system , blame , political science , dominance (genetics) , democracy , public relations , accountability , politics , public administration , law , social psychology , psychology , biochemistry , chemistry , gene
The 1992 presidential election saw several different campaign innovations that brought candidates closer to citizens. One such innovation was the production of campaign books by the candidates. These candidate platforms signal the continuing dominance of candidates and the decline of parties as the grounding elements of presidential campaigns. Many analysts argue that such independent campaigning is detrimental to democracy. We disagree. Candidate platforms indicate positive development in presidential politics. More detailed than party platforms, they provide information to voters in a way that conforms to the realities of modern campaigning. In addition, they help candidates challenge existing voter impressions based upon party stereotypes. Finally, candidate platforms provide for direct accountability, allowing citizens to blame or credit presidents for their actions. This may make the job of president more dificult, but it also makes what candidates say in campaigns more meaningful.