Presidential Debates: Risky Business on the Campaign Trail

Second only to the Super Bowl in viewers, presidential debates are must-see TV, yet their conception and execution largely remain a mystery to the public—even to journalists. For this third edition, Schroeder analyzes the 2008 and 2012 presidential debates and the role of social media and contemporary news outlets in shaping their design and reception. New chapters focus on real-time debate responses and the extent to which post-debate news coverage influences voter decision making and candidate behavior.

Second only to the Super Bowl in viewers, presidential debates are must-see TV, yet their conception and execution largely remain a mystery to the public—even to journalists. For this third edition, Schroeder analyzes the 2008 and 2012 presidential debates and the role of social media and news outlets in shaping their design and reception.