Compares the 1960 and 1976 presidential debates as part of the political campaign and concludes that the differences between the two in terms of format and content are minor. (JMF)

Advocates the more extended treatment of content analysis in political communication research. Develops a fourfold scheme for classifying verbal and nonverbal communication content and illustrates the use of the scheme in political communication research by analysis of the 1960 and 1976 presidential debates. (JMF)

Discusses eight books, including a textbook for undergraduates, that represent the type of research being conducted in the political communication field. Identifies major problems of current research. (PD)

Since voters rarely have access to a candidate's unexpurgated statements, they rely on political advertising, film footage, and media interpretations. Thus, their expectations of candidates generally reflect selective reporting and self-aggrandizement. A framework for researching the degree of understanding reached between politicians and the…