Product Description

With The Keys to the White House, average citizens are giving the pollsters and pundits a run for their money. In this book prominent political analyst and historian Allan J. Lichtman presents thirteen historical factors, or "keys" (four political, seven performance, and two personality), that determine the outcome of presidential elections. In the chronological, successful application of these keys to every election from 1860 through Clinton's 1992 defeat of Bush and reelection in 1996, Lichtman dispels much of the mystery behind electoral politics and challenges many traditional assumptions. Scholars of the electoral process, their students, and general readers who want to know why Al Gore will be the next president should not miss this book.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #785582 in Books
• Published on: 2005-08-08
• Original language: English
• Binding: Textbook Binding
• 208 pages

Review
For generations, politicians, pundits, and poll-takers have been seeking their version of the Holy Grail--a surefire, guaranteed way to predict presidential elections well ahead of time. It may have been found in this book. (David Broder )

This is a must book for political junkies who want to answer one important question about any campaign: Who's going to win? (Baltimore Sun )

Of the hundreds of books written about presidential elections, one of the best is Allan J. Lichtman's The Keys to the White House. (Roll Call )

If you're into American presidential politics, The Keys to the White House is a must, and fun, read. (Toronto Sun )

Do me a favor. Don't read this book. Because if you do, it could put all of us pundits and political consultants out of business. Allan Lichtman has some nerve, revealing our trade secrets to the great unwashed public. Including the biggest secret of all, which is that the presidential vote is simple, rational, and highly predictable. (Schneider, William )

Ingram
Forget the polls. Dismiss the pundits and political scientists. Using a set of 13 "keys," prominent historian Allan J. Lichtman's revolutionary system explains why campaigns--negative or positive--do not affect the outcome of presidential races and why the only issues that truly matter are determined long before November of election year.

About the Author
Allan J. Lichtman is Professor of History and Chair of the Department of History at American University.