Epic Journey

Noted campaign scholars James W. Ceaser, Andrew E. Busch, and John J. Pitney Jr. take readers along on the longest, most expensive, and in many ways most dramatic presidential campaign in American history. Drawing on their extensive knowledge of political history and deep resources of current political science, the authors capture the astonishing twists of fate, uncanny detours, and remarkable surprises that made the 2008 election truly historic. With President George W. Bush's approval ratings at record lows, the 2008 election was a contest that Democrats were predicted to win. And with Barack Obama's victory over John McCain, they did. But it was the highly unlikely journey to this likely destination that set this presidential election apart from others. As they have every four years since 1992, James W. Ceaser and Andrew E. Busch once again provide the most comprehensive and authoritative account of the presidential election. Joined on this book by John J. Pitney Jr., the authors chronicle the epic journey culminating in the election of the first African American president_of a group of extraordinary candidates and a nation.Epic Journey Authors' Blog:www.epicjourney2008.com

James W. Ceaser is professor of politics at the University of Virginia. Andrew E. Busch is professor of government at Claremont McKenna College. Together they have writtenRed Over Blue: The 2004 Elections and American Politics, The Perfect Tie: The True Story of the 2000 Election, Losing to Win: The 1996 Elections and American Politics, andUpside Down and Inside Out: The 1992 Elections and American Politics. John J. Pitney Jr. is professor of government at Claremont McKenna College.

Prologue
1 The Scope and Meaning of the Democratic Victory
2 George W. Bush: The Other Candidate
3 The Republican Nomination Contest
4 The Democratic Nomination Contest
5 The General Election Campaign
6 Congressional and State Elections
7 The Future of American Politics and Institutions
Epilogue 2010
Index