Course

Presidential Politics: Race, Class, Faith & Gender in the 2008 Election

Stanford University

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election, focusing on how various identity factors influenced the political landscape. Key topics include:

  • The significance of race, class, faith, and gender in shaping the candidates and their campaigns.
  • The impact of identity on voter behavior and electoral outcomes.
  • Insights from prominent lectures and panel discussions featuring experts in the field.

Students will analyze the election from the initial announcements of multiple candidates to the final competition between Senators Obama and McCain.

Course Lectures
  • This module features a lecture by Professor Al Camarillo, who delves into the critical issues surrounding the 2008 election. He addresses the complexities of how race, faith, gender, and class intersect and their importance in the electoral process.

    Key points of discussion include:

    • The historical context of identity in American politics.
    • The role of demographic factors in influencing political campaigns.
    • How these issues were highlighted during the election cycle.
  • In this module, Douglas Foster presents a lecture on the role of media in shaping political narratives during the 2008 election. He analyzes how media representations influenced public perceptions of candidates and key issues.

    Topics covered include:

    • The impact of media coverage on voter opinions.
    • How different media platforms portrayed candidates.
    • The relationship between media, message, and voter engagement.
  • This module features a collaborative discussion led by Gary Segura, focusing on group affiliation and political positioning concerning race and gender. Esteemed panelists, including Susan Andersen, Shanto Iyengar, and Valerie Smith, share their insights on how these factors shape political alignments.

    Highlights of the discussion include:

    • Analysis of voting patterns among different racial and gender groups.
    • How identity influences political preferences and affiliations.
    • Case studies showcasing the intersection of race and gender in electoral behavior.
  • Robert Gregg leads this module, which centers on the interplay of faith and class in political affiliations. A panel comprising David Biale, Eddie Glaude, Imam Yahya Hendi, and Martin Sanchez-Jankowski engages in a thought-provoking discussion moderated by Dr. Gregg.

    The key themes include:

    • The role of religious beliefs in shaping voter identities.
    • How socioeconomic status influences political engagement and choices.
    • Insights into the unique challenges faced by different faith and class groups during elections.
  • In this concluding module, Gary Segura and Simon Jackman analyze the impact of race on the 2008 election results using survey and polling data. They discuss the significance of their findings and the implications for future elections.

    Topics include:

    • Quantitative analysis of voter demographics.
    • The role of race in shaping electoral outcomes.
    • Lessons learned and future considerations for political strategists.