Debating the Presidency

Book excerpt: Editors Richard J. Ellis and Michael Nelson have once again assembled a cadre of top presidential scholars to offer a series of pro/con essays that will inspire spirited debate in Debating the Presidency: Debating the Presidency: Conflicting Perspectives on the American Executive, Fourth Edition offers a compelling yet concise view of contemporary topics relevant to the American executive. Each pair of debate-resolution style essays is written specifically for this volume, and offers a compelling yet concise view of a topic relevant to the American executive. Editors Richard Ellis and Michael Nelson offer brief chapter introductions that provide context. In this edition, several new arguments are presented on topics such as executive orders (Pro: Gene Healy, Con: Andrew Rudalevige); abolishment of the vice presidency (Pro: Douglas L. Kriner, Con: Joel K. Goldstein); and the effect of new media on the public’s view of the presidency (Pro: Matthew R. Kerbel, Con: Jeffrey E. Cohen).