Media Contact:Pam Smith, News Services, 919/515-3470
July 9, 1996
The last presidential campaign of this century will heat up in August when Election ?96 forces move to national convention camps -- the Democrats to Chicago and the Republicans in San Diego -- to officially nominate Clinton and Dole. When the smoke settles, what weapons will the candidates choose for the ultimate confrontation? What campaign strategies will be needed to convince constituents to join their legions? North Carolina State University experts are standing by to help analyze how candidates' convention and campaign maneuvers might sway voter loyalties in November. Call them.
Dr. Robert "Robin" Dorff, associate professor of political science, (919) 515-3726 or dorff@social.chass.ncsu.edu
Dorff can analyze and discuss broad areas of the political process, including the candidates, political behavior, third party "spoilers," public opinion, mass media and elections. He also can discuss the impact of the election process and outcome on international relations, foreign policy, and national security and defense policy.
Dr. Andrew J. Taylor, assistant professor of political science, (919) 515-8618 or
taylor@social.chass.ncsu.edu
Taylor can discuss presidential and Congressional elections; the candidates; forces shaping campaign platforms; the polarization of parties; the gap between the president and Congress; the gap between voter concerns and campaign hype; the Newt factor; changing political demographics in the country; and public distrust of government.
Dr. Abraham Holtzman, professor emeritus of political science, (919) 515-2481 or
(919) 787-2494
Holtzman can put a historical spin on the last presidential race of the 20th century. He can discuss the American political system; the presidency; Congress; political parties; conventions; special interest groups; and elections. He also can talk state elections.
Dr. L. Raymond Camp, professor of communication, (919) 515-2450 or
camp@social.chass.ncsu.edu
Camp, an expert in political rhetoric, believes this election season might reach new heights of dirty discourse. He can analyze language and code words candidates use to hit the public's hot buttons. He has studied major addresses by President Clinton, whose appeal to the "national community of citizens" has been a persuasive call to voters. He will closely listen to and watch candidate Dole for emerging style and substance. He can help discern the influence of Pat Buchanan (the wordsmith to past presidents) on both message and delivery.
Dr. Michael L. Vasu, associate professor of political science and public administration/director of social science research and computer laboratory, (919) 515-3791 or (919) 467-7163, or
vasu@social.chass.ncsu.edu
Vasu can discuss public opinion polls -- what are the different kinds of polls; how objective or biased are the polls; how to interpret results; and whether polls predict or influence election outcome. Vasu, twice elected president of the Southern Association of Public Opinion Research, has written numerous books and articles on pollin and has conducted national polls and survey projects for public and private sectors.
Dr. Michael L. Walden, professor of economics, extension economist, (919) 515-4671 or
michael_walden@ncsu.edu
Walden can discuss the complex economic factors in the presidential election: today's economy may give President Clinton a slight edge since both inflation and unemployment are low and the economy is growing. However, Dole may be able to exploit the public's economic anxiety in the face of job layoffs and the slow rate of economic growth. While the president gets credit or blame for the economy, the fact is that the president and Congress jointly control the federal budget -- spending, cuts and taxes; and that the Federal Reserve, not the president or Congress, influences interest rates.
Dr. Robert Clark, professor of economics, (919) 515-4568 or
robert_clark@ncsu.edu
Clark can cut through the emotional debate surrounding economics and the elderly, especially Social Security. He was a member of the Technical Panel on Trends and Issues in Retirement Savings, a committee of the administration's 1994-95 Advisory Council for Social Security. His research focuses on pensions, retirement and the economic well-being of the elderly.
Dr. Nelson Reid, professor and director of NC State Social Work Program, (919) 515-2492 or
nelson_reid@social.chass.ncsu.edu
Reid can discuss the need for a welfare system that is effective, humane and politically sustainable. He can discuss a reform model that centers on benefits tied to work and educational incentives; and the need for a system that could lead people out of poverty.
Dr. Ron Wimberly, professor of sociology, (919) 515-9026 or
ron_wimberly@ncsu.edu
Wimberly can discuss the impact of welfare reform on the South, where 41 percent of the nation's poor reside; block grants; time limits; and work requirements. Most proposals on the table, he says, are meant to save money, not end poverty -- job requirements with no jobs and expired time limits with no more benefits will take their toll on human and social needs.
--smith--