Stephen Wayne, a leading scholar of presidential electoral politics, describes and analyzes the crucial politics, procedures, and strategies behind campaign finance, media relations, nominating conventions, and the general election. The post-election edition includes a thorough analysis of the entire 2000 presidential election and its dramatic conclusion. Coverage of the Money Race in 2000, with special emphasis on the new McCain-Feingold law and its implications for the money race in 2004. The strategies and tactics of the 2000 presidential nominations and elections. "The Air Wars of 2000" advertising by the candidates, parties, and outside groups in the 2000 presidential nominations and elections The Florida election controversy and its implication for future presidential elections. Focusing on the facts of how the presidential election system works and summarizing the state of the art and science of presidential electoral politics at the beginning of the 21st century, this text is a must for any study of presidential elections. Organized in four parts: first, discussing the arena in which presidential elections occur-the electoral system, campaign finance, and the political environment; second, describing the various stages of the presidential campaign; third, discussing the general election campaign; and last, looking at the election, its significance, and its likely consequences.