Winning the Presidency 2012 - Scholarly Analysis of a Polarized

In this review of Winning the Presidency 2012, the bottom line is straightforward: this is an essential, scholarly collection for students and serious readers who want a data-informed, multi-perspective account of one of the most polarized recent US presidential contests. The contributors combine empirical research and narrative context to explain how e-politics, fundraising, race, class, gender, and movements such as the Tea Party and Occupy shaped the race; the result reads as both a reference and a thoughtful interpretation rather than a quick popular retelling.

Key Features

• Scholarly essays: Each chapter offers research-driven analysis that helps readers understand the institutional and social dynamics behind the 2012 campaign.
• E-politics and fundraising: Groundbreaking examination of online organizing and fundraising shows how digital tools altered campaign strategy and voter outreach.
• Race, class, and gender: Focused chapters on identity and inequality provide context for voting patterns and policy debates in the election.
• Movement influence: Close looks at the Tea Party and Occupy movements explain how outside actors contributed to the campaign narrative and voter mobilization.
• Data-informed analysis: The book mixes empirical data with interpretive prose so readers can follow both the evidence and its political significance.
• Forward-looking conclusions: Contributors not only summarize 2012 but also point to implications for future presidential politics and campaign practice.

Who It's For

This collection is best for political science students, scholars, instructors preparing course material, and engaged readers who want rigorous, readable analysis of a major modern election. The book suits classrooms and research libraries where the interplay of data and interpretation is valued.

Readers seeking a quick, popular narrative or a campaign memoir should look elsewhere; this volume prioritizes scholarly perspectives and comparative interpretation over episodic storytelling and celebrity anecdotes.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive scholarly coverage gives readers a multidimensional understanding of the 2012 election.
• Strong treatment of e-politics and online fund-raising highlights an important turning point in campaign tactics.
• Balanced attention to race, class, and gender deepens interpretation of voting behavior and policy debate.
• Clear discussion of social movements provides useful context for external political influences.

Cons

• The academic tone and emphasis on research make it less accessible to readers looking for light, narrative-driven accounts.

Specifications

Title	Winning the Presidency 2012
Editor/Author	William J. Crotty
Subject	United States presidential politics
Approach	Scholarly essays and data-informed analysis
Key topics	E-politics, fundraising, race, class, gender, social movements
Intended audience	Students, scholars, serious political readers

Our Verdict

Winning the Presidency 2012 is a worthwhile investment for academic readers and anyone who needs a rigorous, multi-angled account of the 2012 campaign; its data-driven chapters and attention to movement dynamics make it especially valuable for courses and research, even if casual readers may prefer a lighter narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book focus on campaign tactics or broader social trends?
Answer. It addresses both: chapters examine campaign tactics such as online fundraising while placing them within broader social patterns like race, class, gender, and movement influence.

Is the writing accessible for non-academics?
Answer. The prose is readable but maintains an academic tone; interested general readers can follow the arguments but should expect research-focused analysis rather than popular storytelling.

Can this be used in a classroom?
Answer. Yes. The collection is well suited to undergraduate or graduate courses in American politics and campaigns, offering empirical studies and interpretive essays useful for discussion and assignments.