The Third Agenda in U.S. Presidential Debates

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The Third Agenda in U.S. Presidential Debates DebateWatch and Viewer Reactions, 1996-2004

Diana B. Carlin, Kelly M. McDonald, Tammy Vigil, Susan Buehler

Book Code: C6773

ISBN: 0-275-96773-5

ISBN-13: 978-0-275-96773-4

DOI:

296 pages, tables

Praeger Publishers

Publication: 11/30/2008

List Price: $64.95 (UK Sterling Price: £37.95)

Availability: In Stock

Media Type: Hardcover

Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4

Subjects:

Series Title: Praeger Series in Political Communication

Endorsement From Theodore F. Sheckels,
Professor of English & Communication,
Randolph-Macon College: The Third Agenda offers an important look at how citizens process the information that the quadrennial presidential and vice presidential debates offer. It points to important differences between academic or media assessment and that of citizens without pushing a set of conclusions as the conclusions. The book lets the citizens speak while offering observations that help guide those in the academy to grasp how the debates may or may not be succeeding in reaching their true goals-informing, persuading, and energizing voters.

Description: Drawing on scholarly research and media critiques, The Third Agenda in Presidential Debates examines the most recent U.S. presidential debates from the perspective of television viewers who watched the encounters first hand. Through a national program--DebateWatch--tens of thousands of viewers had an opportunity to provide feedback to the debate sponsors, the campaigns, and the media following the 1996, 2000, and 2004 presidential debates. As a result, thousands of groups met to discuss what they liked and didn't like about a particular candidate, what they learned, and what they still needed to know about the issues presented before them. These focus groups, along with various surveys and emails, allowed viewers to lay out a concise "third agenda" for the debates: the public's, one in which comparisons could be drawn between their own interests and that of the media and the candidates themselves. This book breaks down the fundamental aspects that made DebateWatch such a powerful tool for citizens. From analyzing and interpreting the public's reaction to developing recommendations for further improvements, there have been many significant changes in debate practices since the program first burst on the scene during the 1992 presidential election. Besides clearly mapping out the important aspects the public looks for when watching a debate, the authors demonstrate how citizen participation challenges candidates and their issues. In addition, the authors offer predictions for future debates and how new generations will choose to participate. Along with 14 analytical chapters, this work contains four detailed appendices, several tables, and an index.

Table of Contents:

Series Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1 Revealing the Third Agenda
Chapter 2 Why Study, Watch, and Talk about Debates?
Chapter 3 DebateWatch: Developing the Study
Chapter 4 Why Format Matters
Chapter 5 Searching for a President: What Matters to Voters?
Chapter 6 Citizen Talk Beyond the Candidates and Issues
Chapter 7 Whos on Deck? Talk about Vice Presidents and Future Presidents
Chapter 8 Generation Next: Youth as Political Actors
Chapter 9 Nonvoters Speak Out
Chapter 10 The Majors and the Minors: Who Should Participate in Debates?
Chapter 11 Presidential Debates and Public Talk: The Next Chapter
Appendixes
A. DebateWatch 96 Materials
B. 1997 Post-Election Study Surveys and Tables
C. DebateWatch 2000 Materials
D. DebateWatch 2004 Materials
Notes
Selected Bibliography

LC Card Number: 2008038702

LCC Class: JK5261996

Dewey Class: 324


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