Stories in American Studies/Culture
May 16, 2008
If McCain enters the Oval Office in 2009, he will be America’s oldest first-term president. For U.S. voters, ageism is more acceptable than sexism or racism, says Gerald C. Davison, dean of the USC Davis School of Gerontology. But this attitude ignores the fact that today’s seniors are sharper and longer-lived.
May 9, 2008
Bush administration rebates have started to appear in consumers’ bank accounts. USC experts look at whether they will boost the economy.
May 9, 2008
The veteran comedy show has always taken aim at presidents and presidential wannabes. But in the 2008 race, campaign satire began to bleed into the campaign itself, so that Saturday night’s sketch became Monday morning’s talking point. USC communication professor Joe Saltzman looks at the intersection of politics and comedy, and young voters for whom news and infotainment are beginning to blur.
May 9, 2008
Celluloid vision: USC College professor Steven J. Ross sketches a history of American power and politics,
as seen on the big screen.
May 2, 2008
If you were a presidential candidate, you’d be better off with Michelle Obama than Bill Clinton at your side, according to USC marriage and family therapist Julie Albright.
May 2, 2008
USC psychologist Mary Andres takes the Clinton family to the couch, analyzing how politicians’ spouses and children reflect on their character and ability to lead. For instance, a candidate who has weathered infidelity at home may be well suited to handle impure motives on the world stage.
May 2, 2008
Stand by your man, for the good of the office? Sociologist Karen Sternheimer probes
the role of political wives, from Spitzer to Clinton.
April 25, 2008
Of the three candidates, Obama has the best chance of bridging the gap between America’s liberal and evangelical Christians, says Paul Lichterman.
April 25, 2008
Responding to nervous U.S. workers and unions, candidates have talked tough on foreign trade. But what will a Clinton, Obama or McCain presidency really mean for NAFTA and other free trade agreements? According to USC’s Abraham Lowenthal, the outlook is rosier than campaign trail bluster suggests.
April 18, 2008
All three candidates advocate boycotting the opening ceremony in Beijing. Once in office, the president’s tune on China will change, says a USC prof.