The Harvard Institute of Politics has sponsored a post-election conference of campaign managers and media every four years since 1972. The series has become a principal resource for scholars, students, and practitioners.

Campaign for President should be required reading for anyone who wants to really understand how White House campaigns are run. No one who considers themselves a student of politics can think their education is complete without it. Personally, I'm taking copious notes on the Republican primary section. After all, it's likely we'll see at least a couple of these candidates again in '12.

• 1 The Participants2 The Observers3 Introduction4 Editor's Note5 1.THE DECISION TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT6 2.THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARIES7 3.THE INTERNET AND PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS8 4.THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES9 5.THE GENERAL ELECTION10 2008 Campaign Time Line11 Index