Presidential Press Conferences: A Critical Approach Praeger Series in Political Communication

In this timely new book Smith develops a methodology for the study and criticism of presidential press conferences. Moving away from the traditional method of studying the presidential rhetoric of prepared speeches, Smith proposes methods of criticism for the quasi-spontaneous environment of the press conference where the control of message is divided between the president and the press.

The book offers a detailed critical assessment of Ronald Reagan's relationship with reporters during his first eight years in office. From this assessment, Smith develops her approach to press conference criticism.