| Selling War in a Media Age: The Presidency and Public Opinion in the American Century Subjects: Presidents -- United States -- History -- 20th century; Presidents -- United States -- Public opinion -- History -- 20th century; Rhetoric -- Political aspects -- United States -- History -- 20th century; Public opinion -- United States -- History -- 20th; George W. Bush's "Mission Accomplished" banner in 2003 and the misleading linkages of Saddam Hussein to the 9/11 terrorist attacks awoke many Americans to the techniques used by the White House to put the country on a war footing. Yet Bush was simply following in the footsteps of his predecessors, as the essays in this standout volume reveal in illuminating detail. Written in a lively and accessible style, Selling War in a Media Age is a fascinating, thought-provoking, must-read volume that reveals the often-brutal ways that the goal of influencing public opinion has shaped how American presidents have approached the most momentous duty of their office: waging war. |