alieNATION

alieNATION presents research conducted by a national election team and leading scholars in political communication that explores a range of important topics and variables affecting voter attitudes and behavior in the 2012 U.S. presidential election. In exploring the messages, issues, and voters of the 2012 election, these studies employ multiple methods including experimental design, content analysis, rhetorical criticism, and survey research. Whereas other election research tends to investigate either the content or effects of campaign communication, the more comprehensive and systematic nature of this collection enables alieNATION to cohere thematically around considerations of voter alienation, political engagement, political efficacy, and ultimately, citizens’ voting decisions.

Dianne G. Bystrom (PhD, University of Oklahoma) is Director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University. Mary C. Banwart (PhD, University of Oklahoma) is Associate Professor of Communication Studies at the University of Kansas. Mitchell S. McKinney (PhD, University of Kansas) is Professor and Chair of Communication at the University of Missouri.