The media have become principal actors on the American political
scene. Politicians and their press secretaries release news items
with one eye on the event and the other on the millions of voters
who depend on the White House press corps to keep them informed
about the workings of their government.
"Portraying the President" explores the inner workings of the
relationship between the White House and the press. Rather than
emphasize the well-publicized sparring between inquisitive
reporters and evasive administrative spokesmen intent on enhancing
the President's public image, the authors stress the vast amount of
cooperation between journalists and their sources. They point out
the similarities of the White House-media relationship in recent
administrations and suggest what shape it is likely to take in the
future.
The authors also address the key issues of information
management and manipulation by both the administration and the
press. Grossman and Kumar demonstrate that, whether a lower level
staff member leaks a news item to elevate his own status or an
official spokesman mentions a new policy proposal in order to
gather support, the release of information to the White House press
corps involves complicated strategies among a number of
administrative personnel. Washington reporters, aware of some of
these tactics, compensate by cultivating personal sources and
trading information with officials. Nevertheless, the routine
nature of White House reporting and the competitiveness of modern
news organizations often trap the reporter into what has been
called "pack journalism."
Interviews with current and former White House reporters,
including Bob Schieffer, Tom Brokaw, James Naughton, James Reston,
and John Osborne, give "Portraying the President" an authentic,
firsthand sound and feel. Comments from Ron Nessen, Gerald
Rafshoon, Jody Powell, and other presidential spokesmen and
advisors, give insight into White House operations during the
Nixon, Ford, and Carter administrations.
"Portraying the President" provides information vital to an
appreciation of the modern American political system. Its
thought-provoking conclusions will be of interest political
scientists, media specialists, and anyone interested in current
affairs.
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