"The Last Hurrah" by David B. Magleby offers a comprehensive examination of the significant role played by television advertising in political campaigns. With extensive research and analysis, Magleby provides an in-depth understanding of this influential aspect of modern democracy.
The book delves into the history and impact of political ads, starting from their humble beginnings in Dwight D. Eisenhower's 1952 presidential campaign. Magleby traces the evolution of television as a medium, highlighting its increasing importance in political messaging. He explores the shift from text-based to image-based ads and the rise of negative campaigning.
Magleby goes beyond surface-level observations and delves deep into the strategies employed by political candidates and parties in their advertising efforts. He examines how ads are tailored to target specific voter groups, shape public opinion, and even influence electoral outcomes. Ethical concerns surrounding political advertising, such as truthfulness, distortion, and their effects on voter behavior, are also addressed.
Available on Audible
The strength of "The Last Hurrah" lies in Magleby's use of empirical evidence to support his arguments. Employing a variety of data, including surveys, experiments, and case studies, he presents a nuanced analysis of the effectiveness and consequences of political ads. The book also explores the impact of campaign finance regulations on advertising expenditures and considers the potential influence of emerging media platforms on the future of political messaging.
Overall, "The Last Hurrah" is an informative read for those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the role of advertising in political campaigns. Magleby's rigorous research and analysis make this book a valuable contribution to the field, providing readers with a greater awareness of the complexities and power dynamics involved in political advertising.
What are readers saying?
The book titled "The Last Hurrah" by David B. Magleby has received a range of reviews from readers, expressing both positive and negative opinions. While some readers found the book to be informative and based on solid research, others felt it lacked depth and was unnecessarily repetitive.
Overall, the reviews suggest that "The Last Hurrah" delves into the role of money in political campaigns and its impact on American democracy. Many readers appreciated the book's thorough analysis of campaign financing and its historical context. They considered it a thought-provoking read, shedding light on the significant influence money has in politics.
However, a group of readers found the book to be excessively repetitive and would have preferred a more concise writing style. They believed that certain sections were overly long and redundant, lacking in new information. These readers desired a more focused narrative that explored the subject matter in greater depth.
Additionally, some reviewers criticized the book for not offering potential solutions or recommendations for addressing the issue of campaign finance. They felt the author should have provided more insight into potential reforms or strategies to mitigate the negative influence of money in politics.
Despite these mixed reviews, many readers praised "The Last Hurrah" for its objective approach to the topic. They appreciated the author's impartiality and the book's factual presentation of information. Readers found it to be a valuable resource for comprehending the intricate nature of campaign finance in the United States.
TheLastHurrah PoliticalDrama ClassicReads