Notes: These essays were taken from a conference on political advertising sponsored by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Notes: The author gives a non-network, behind-the-scenes view of the 2004 presidential elections, along with critiques of the "circus".

Notes: The author disagrees with the common notion that political advertising destroys true democracy. He posits that popular culture is an essential foundation for political campaigns.

Notes: The author explores the phenomenon that people often seek out others who mirror their own opinions rather than exploring the facts. Examples are cited from presidential election politics, American history, and the media.

Notes: Nichols is a correspondent for the Nation and McChesney is a communications professor. Among other topics, the book explores the effect of the Internet on presidential politics.