University of Southern California

Election 2008

Stories in Leadership

John McCain: Age Is No Barrier

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.

Obama vs. McCain

May 16, 2008

An analyst and a onetime McCain insider weigh the last chances for a Clinton victory, and look ahead to an Obama-McCain face-off.

Saturday Night Live and the Election Cycle

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.

Michelle vs. Bill

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.

Infidelity and the Political Wife

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.

The Mirror of Marriage and Family

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.

Clinton and Obama

April 25, 2008

On the heels of Clinton’s nine-point Pennsylvania win, USC Gould School professors offer expertise on the still-battling Democratic contenders.

A Religious Uniter

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.

Free Trade: Blowing Campaign Smoke

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.

An Olympic Question

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.

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