Barack Obama and the New America: The 2012 Election and the Changing Face of Politics

In this somewhat dry but impressively informative book, University of Virginia professor and noted quote-machine Sabato has collected essays on the latest election from a range of experts. Attempting to provide a clear assessment of the causes and effects at play in 2012, the essays cover topics including voter demographics, party platforms, campaign finance, and changing media coverage. The content can be somewhat repetitive, which is perhaps to be expected from a book released so hard on the heels of the event it describes. There is only so much information available, and only so much perspective that can be gained at this point. That said, the collection offers some compelling insights and provides a thorough accounting and contextualizing of the events and data. The essays are clear and well written, and though the focus runs toward trends and demographics rather than policy, the collection paints a cogent if predictable picture of the election. Most of the essays are accompanied by careful notes, and the collection includes a general index. (Feb.)