Thomas E. Patterson, a professor of political science at Syracuse University, argues that the process of electing presidents to office is “out of order.” The culprits include poorly planned performances by the news media in which newscasters speak more than candidates and the numerous primaries that only weaken the parties and create a vacuum of political leadership. Patterson calls for a shortened nominating primary season—just six weeks—and an institutionalized televised forum in which candidates could speak, debate and be questioned. Until this is done, he maintains, American will suffer from a lack of communication of the issues and an incomplete translation of voter feedback, things that smack of the demise of democracy.
In my honest opinion, literature that covers the inner-workings of politics and the American government can be incredibly dry. This work is no exception to the rule. Although, however dated it may seem from ending at the election of Clinton in '92, it also level of propheticalness about the role of the media in politics. The transition from from objective to subjective journalism is documented fairly well.
Great analysis of the influence of media on American politics. Examples focus on politics of presidential campaigns and elections. One of the better looks at politics and media. Patterson is a well known and respected political scientist and author.