Presidential Character

<p>A book entitled<em> The Presidential Character</em> is more timely and necessary than ever. This new issue of James David Barber’s classic work appears almost 50 years after its first publication and yet reads like a roadmap to the 2020 presidential election. Its subtitle “Predicting Performance in the White House” is an apt reflection on the election of 2016. </p><p>With a revised and updated foreword by George C. Edwards III that brings in the Trump Administration this book argues that patterns in a person’s character world view and political style can allow us to anticipate his or her performance as president. How would Barber have categorized Donald J. Trump who appears to defy every presidential type and norm? This question suggests one of the most provocative and appealing reasons for students scholars and voters to re-read <em>The Presidential Character</em> at this particular juncture. What should we look for in a president? This text offers explanations and predictions of the performance of past presidents and presidential candidates with many cautionary tales looking forward. </p><p><strong>Features</strong> </p><ul> <li>Presents a revised and updated foreword by presidential scholar George C. Edwards III Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Texas A&M University that includes the advent of the Trump Administration and highlights the book’s classic and enduring contributions. </li> <li>Includes predictions of presidential performance from Nixon to Bush. </li> <li>Analyzes the media’s role in providing information about the political candidates and in shaping public opinion of them. </li> <li>Draws on historical biographical and psychological research to help voters make judicious choices in determining the country’s highest leaders. </li> <li>Encourages citizens to be actively involved scholars critics and participants in their government.</li> </ul>