5th Edition
The Presidential Character Predicting Performance in the White House, With a Revised and Updated Foreword by George C. Edwards III
A book entitled The Presidential Character 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.
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 The Presidential Character 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.
Features
- 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.
- Includes predictions of presidential performance from Nixon to Bush.
- Analyzes the media’s role in providing information about the political candidates and in shaping public opinion of them.
- Draws on historical, biographical, and psychological research to help voters make judicious choices in determining the country’s highest leaders.
- Encourages citizens to be actively involved scholars, critics, and participants in their government.
Biography
James David Barber was a Duke University political scientist and provocateur best known for exploring the psychology of Oval Office aspirants and occupants. He spent years as a consultant to "NBC Nightly News" and as a board member of the Poynter Institute, a center for the study of journalism and media ethics in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Praise for the Original Edition of The Presidential Character
“Given the imposing power of our Presidents today, there are few subjects of greater import; and Barber has written an important book on the subject.”
Bruce Mazlish in The New York Times
“Comes closer to the truth about why presidents do what they do than any other author.”
Hugh Sidney in Life Magazine
“The most original, most provocative, and most daring study of the presidency of the past decade... A major intellectual breakthrough.”
James MacGregor Burns (late of Williams College and the James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership of the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland)
