{"product_id":"competitive-elections-and-the-american-voter-9780812223613","title":"Competitive Elections and the American Voter","description":"\u003cp\u003eTight political races with their emotionally charged debates, mud-slinging, and uncertain outcomes are stressful for voters and candidates alike, but that stress may be healthy for democracy. In \u003ci\u003eCompetitive Elections and the American Voter\u003c\/i\u003e, Keena Lipsitz argues that highly contested electoral battles create an environment that allows citizens to make more enlightened decisions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe first book to use democratic theory to evaluate the quality of campaign rhetoric, \u003ci\u003eCompetitive Elections and the American Voter\u003c\/i\u003e offers a rare overview of political contests at different levels of government. Lipsitz draws on a range of contemporary democratic theories, including egalitarian and deliberative conceptions, to develop campaign communication standards. To promote the values of political competition, equality, and deliberation Lipsitz contends that voters must have access to abundant, balanced information, representing a range of voices and involving a high level of dialogue between the candidates. Using advertising data, the book examines whether competitive House, Senate, and presidential campaigns operating at the state level generate such facts and arguments. It also tests the connection between this knowledge and greater voter understanding and engagement. Because close elections can push candidates to attack their opponents, the book investigates how negative advertising affects voters as well. Given the link between electoral competitiveness and an informed electorate, the book includes reform proposals that enhance competition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eCompetitive Elections and the American Voter\u003c\/i\u003e reminds us that we avoid political controversy and conflict at our peril. This eye-opening analysis of political communication and campaign information environments encourages citizens, scholars, and campaign reformers to recognize the crucial role that well contested elections play in a democracy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Keena Lipsitz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42955752669302,"sku":"9780812223613","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/ingramacademic.com\/products\/competitive-elections-and-the-american-voter-9780812223613","provider":"Ingram Academic \u0026 Professional","version":"1.0","type":"link"}