The newest installment in a quadrennial series that now spans five presidential elections, this book presents a broad overview of the presidential nomination process and showcases some of the most interesting work now being done on the politics of presidential selection. Written by leading experts, including a former presidential candidate, The Making of Presidential Candidates 2012 covers a wide selection of topics, including the Tea Party, digital media campaigns, how television covers the nomination process, election forecasting, and campaign finance. The Making of the Presidential Candidates 2012 is valuable for students, specialists, and all readers with an interest in the ever-evolving presidential nomination process and American elections. “Dukakis recounts his triumphs and travails as a White House hopeful 24 years ago in an essay for a new book, The Making of the Presidential Candidates 2012.” ― CNN “This book is essential reading regarding the 2012 presidential election. The authors address vital questions of systemic importance regarding presidential selection, employing consistently sound arguments and evidence along the way. College classes on American parties, elections and the presidency will find this highly useful.” ―Steven E. Schier, Carleton College “Mayer and Bernstein have assembled an impressive group of scholars for a relevant and timely examination of the presidential candidate selection process. A fine addition to courses on parties and elections and the American presidency.” ―Mark D. Brewer “The work contains a rich resource of amassed survey data on nomination issues....A good, useful book for students of politics and for readers with a general interest in American elections. Summing Up: Recommended.” ― Choice Reviews Andrew E. Busch is Professor and Associate Director of the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA Jonathan Bernstein is an aviation author, historian, former attack helicopter pilot and current director of the US Army Air Defense Artillery Museum. He is the author of three Osprey Combat Aircraft volumes, and has also had books published by Squadron/Signal Publications and Elephant Books. Jonathan is a frequent contributor to National Guard Magazine , Supply Line and Armor Journal .