Anthony J. Eksterowicz – författare

Bringing together the work of notable historians, political scientists, and sociologists, ""The Presidential Companion"" is a collection that demonstrate the political relevance of first ladies throughout U.S. history and the dramatic expansion of their power during the twentieth century. This anthology fills a gap in scholarship about the position of first lady and reveals the political acumen and activism of a number of the holders of this unofficial executive office. The contributors reveal how the office has grown in political influence, from Martha Washington's selection of furnishings for the presidential mansion to Hillary Rodham Clinton's leadership of the President's Task Force on National Health Care Reform. Bringing this second edition up to date are two new chapters on the first ladyship of Laura Bush and on analyzing public perceptions of Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton.

With the end of the Cold War, U.S. presidential leadership has become both more important and more difficult. Post-war periods have historically posed challenges to leadership, and this time around the long-time image of the “leader of the free world” has declined in the face of globalization and increased interdependence among nations. It is exactly this complex environment that makes Americans look ever more to their president for guidance. This accessibly-written volume discusses socio-cultural, political, and economic changes during and after the Cold War period and how these have affected modern presidential leadership. Prominent contributors cover key issues—image and character, domestic and foreign policy, distraction theory, domestic and international economics, executive/legislative relations, security/intelligence, executive dominance, and activist government—and suggest strategies for helping to ensure a strong presidency in the future.