Out of Order: An incisive and boldly original critique of the news media's domination of Ameri

by Thomas E. Patterson

Why are our politicians almost universally perceived as liars? What made candidate Bill Clinton's draft record more newsworthy than his policy statements? How did George Bush's masculinity, Ronald Reagan's theatrics with a microphone, and Walter Mondale's appropriation of a Wendy's hamburger ad make or break their presidential campaigns?

Ever since Watergate, says Thomas E. Patterson, the road to the presidency has led through the newsrooms, which in turn impose their own values on American politics. The results are campaigns that resemble inquisitions or contests in which the candidates' game plans are considered more important than their goals. Lucid and aphoristic, historically informed and as timely as a satellite feed, Out of Order mounts a devastating inquest into the press's hijacking of the campaign process -- and shows what citizens and legislators can do to win it back.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

Genres: Politics, Journalism, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Political Science

361 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Shaindel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely ahead of its time, and still relevant to today's political climate.

[Mac Bechtol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so interesting. It basically addresses the idea of media controlled elections, and how the press has become the primary driver of campaigns when actually journalistic values and political values are not compatible. Journalists are looking for a story, and see politics as a game of strategy, whereas the coverage voters actually want is on policy and governance. Really great read, and even more relevant now than it was when it was written.

[SM Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given to me from one of my favorite Professors in college years ago. Still own the book and find it relevant in modern day.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Claire Leavitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't agree with a single word, but I couldn't stop reading.