All are related to a failure to project competence and clear direction. While Jones substantiates these conclusions, he also observes that the notions of campaigning and governing themselves are in transition. Campaigning is increasingly professionalized, requiring direction by skilled technicians more than experienced politicians, he believes, while governing is becoming increasingly public, requiring skilled opinion specialists. These changes, Jones finds, are blurring the distinction between campaigning and governing, suggesting an ancillary passage from campaigning for election to campaigning for policy that will motivate future presidents-elect. Looking ahead, Jones finds that the future is now, as year 2000 races start to gel and the new millennium begins to find a political topography of its own.
Some books are shrewd and some books are wise.
This book is both. He skillfully combines his own scholarly perspective with the practical advice of those who have conducted presidential transitions over the past several decades. Citizens, scholars, and pundits will benefit from Jones's insights . . . . This is an important book for any student of American government. Mara Liasson, National Public Radio Charles O. Jones is a Nonresident Senior Fellow in the Brookings Institution Governmental Studies program and Professor Emeritus of Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison.