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For courses in Media and Politics, Elections, and American Political Culture.
This case study of Congressman Patrick Kennedy's rise to political prominence illustrates new issues of celebrity that have emerged in America over the last four decades. It explores a number of contemporary topics, along with how famous people use money, media, and name identification to build support and shape the political process.
"One of the more intriguing aspects of American politics is the significant role played by political dynasties-families that generation after generation have filled key leadership positions in the country. No dynastic family has left a greater imprint on recent American public than the Kennedys. In Patrick Kennedy: The Rise to Power, an insightful and lively political biography of the current chairman of the Demoncratic Congressional Compaign Committee, Darrell West explores the intersection of traditional political dynasties with contemporary celebrity politics in the newest generation of Kennedy politicians. In so doing, he teaches us a great deal about old politics and new-from "all politics is local" to "permanent campaign." His new book is an instructive and entertaining read."-Thomas E. Mann, W. Averell Harriman Senior Fellow in American Governance, The Brookings Institution
"A fascinating account of the early political life of Congressman Patrick Kennedy-thoroughly researched and carefully written. Step by step from his nearby scholarly perch, Darrell West traces the jagged learning curve of an emerging national figure, as he navigates the entanglements of his celebrity birthrights as a Kennedy and his chosen career as a Rhode Island politician. It's a timely and uniquely informative biography of a now-and-future national political player."-Richard F. Fenno, Jr., Kanan Professor of Political Science, University of Rochester
DARRELL WEST is a professor of Political Science and Director of the John Hazen White, Sr., Public Opinion Laboratory at Brown University. He is a frequent commentator on media and elections and has served as an election consultant to local television stations in Providence since 1988.
I. A STAR IS BORN.
1. A Sense of Fragility.II. LAUNCHING A CAREER.
4. Running for the Rhode Island General Assembly.III. MASTERING CAPITOL HILL.
10. Running for Congress.