This book is an examination of the manner in which American presidents respond to pandemics and other public health crises. Closer examination, however, suggests the contrary, demonstrating the potential of government to act quickly and effectively against public health emergencies, even when facing formidable obstacles.
Max J. Skidmore is Curators’ Professor of Political Science and Thomas Jefferson Fellow at University of Missouri-Kansas City, USA.
1. Introduction .- 2. Pandemic Influenza .- 3. Misguided Responses to Public Health Emergencies .- 4. Appropriate Responses to Public Health Emergencies .- 5. President R. Gerald Ford .- 6. President Ford’s National Influenza .- 7. Conclusions.