Controversial Issues in Presidential Selection

Gary L. Rose is Associate Professor of Political Science at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

• Preface Introduction A Presidential Selection Process in CrisisGary L. Rose 1. Is It Time for a New Presidential Nominating Process?Yes—Thomas E. Cronin and Robert D. LoevyNo—Everett Carll Ladd 2. Are Brokered Conventions Desirable?Yes—Emmett H. Buell, Jr.No—John F. Bibby 3. Should Vice-Presidential Candidates Be Selected from the Also-Ran Category?Yes—John Kenneth WhiteNo—Landis Jones 4. Do the Media Inform?Yes—Doris A. GraberNo—Robert D. Loevy 5. Should Campaign Commercials Be Regulated?Yes—Jon F. HaleNo—Marion R. Just 6. Is Public Financing of Presidential Elections a Desirable Policy?Yes—Frank J. SoraufNo—Mitch McConnell 7. Should Presidential Debates Be Required?Yes—William E. CarrollNo—James I. Lengle and Dianne C. Lambert 8. Should the Electoral College Be Abolished?Yes—Lawrence D. LongleyNo—Robert D. Brown 9. Is the Motor-Voter Bill Desirable?Yes—Herbert F WeisbergNo—Wayne Parent 10. Is It Time for a Third Major Party in American Politics?Yes—Theodore J. LowiNo—M. Margaret Conway 11. Should Political Parties Govern the Presidential Selection Process?Yes—W. Wayne ShannonNo—Allan J. Cigler ConclusionGary L. Rose

"This important work presents sharp debates among an impressive group of contributors about presidential primaries, political money, party decline, and media excesses, as well as old issues like the electoral college—all in a manner that reinforces the view of editor Gary Rose that the electoral system is indeed in crisis. A fine introduction to the questionable presidential selection processes that will torment us again in 1996." — James MacGregor Burns, Williams College"Controversial Issues in Presidential Selection presents informative essays by experts giving both sides of the question on practically all the critical issues now facing the presidential selection process—in many ways the key to the future of American democracy. Surprisingly, its cumulative effect is a profound call for revival and reform of that battered institution, the political party. This book will be read with pleasure and profit by both specialists and general readers." — A. James Reichley, author of The Life of the Parties"A lively book! A thoughtful one also. I particularly like the clarity and focus of the point-counterpoint format in presenting the different perspectives. The issues chosen for examination are the major ones, and the contributors are consistently first rate. The collection provides a strong context for assessing a process in crisis." — William Crotty, Northwestern University