"This second edition of the book, Televised Presidential Debates and Public Policy provides a comprehensive update on the research, production, and effects of general election debates between major presidential candidates in 1960 and 1976 through 1996.

Using participant-observation on site at the debates, and interviews and other research methodologies, Kraus discusses how debate formats came about, the actions of candidate advisors (including the "spin"), media coverage of the debates, polling, and their impact on voters."--BOOK JACKET.