Martin P. Wattenberg is Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Irvine.

Wattenberg's skillful analysis of poll data demonstrates how beliefs are encouraged by the politicians and the media through their efforts to personalize issues and create a candidate-centered political universe.

• Preface, 1998 Introduction 1. The Concept of Political Partisanship 2. The Stability of Partisan Attitudes 3. Independent or No Preference? 4. Negativity or Neutrality? 5. Political Leadership and the Parties 6. The Role of the Media 7. Demographic Trends 8. The Public as an Echo Chamber 9. The Elections of 1984 and 1988: Realignment without Revitalization 10. The 1992 Election: Ross Perot and the Independent Voter 11. The 1994 Election: Perot Voters and the Republican Shift 12. The 1996 Election: Missed Opportunities for the Parties Notes Index

Martin P. Wattenberg is Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Irvine.

Wattenberg's skillful analysis of poll data demonstrates how beliefs are encouraged by the politicians and the media through their efforts to personalize issues and create a candidate-centered political universe.

• Preface, 1998 Introduction 1. The Concept of Political Partisanship 2. The Stability of Partisan Attitudes 3. Independent or No Preference? 4. Negativity or Neutrality? 5. Political Leadership and the Parties 6. The Role of the Media 7. Demographic Trends 8. The Public as an Echo Chamber 9. The Elections of 1984 and 1988: Realignment without Revitalization 10. The 1992 Election: Ross Perot and the Independent Voter 11. The 1994 Election: Perot Voters and the Republican Shift 12. The 1996 Election: Missed Opportunities for the Parties Notes Index

Martin P. Wattenberg is Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Irvine.

Wattenberg's skillful analysis of poll data demonstrates how beliefs are encouraged by the politicians and the media through their efforts to personalize issues and create a candidate-centered political universe.

• Preface, 1998 Introduction 1. The Concept of Political Partisanship 2. The Stability of Partisan Attitudes 3. Independent or No Preference? 4. Negativity or Neutrality? 5. Political Leadership and the Parties 6. The Role of the Media 7. Demographic Trends 8. The Public as an Echo Chamber 9. The Elections of 1984 and 1988: Realignment without Revitalization 10. The 1992 Election: Ross Perot and the Independent Voter 11. The 1994 Election: Perot Voters and the Republican Shift 12. The 1996 Election: Missed Opportunities for the Parties Notes Index