HATS IN THE RING

An animated account of that boisterous institution- the presidential nomination (""unimaginably exhilarating and preposterous""- Mencken), this surveys past performances to preview what is to come. All kinds of odd facts are filled in: what determines the people's choice? How ""unavailable"" can he be and how sincere are his disavowals; what of kingmakers and campaigns? what are the backgrounds of the nominees (military heroes, 17, governors, legislators- usually rejected)? how does the national committee function? who are the delegates? how important are polls, or primaries? or the vice president (a more serious job today)? etc., etc. And is this sytem- a ""chess tournament disguised as a circus"" valid? The authors conclude it works and works well in the national interests.... A jaunty documentation of facts with figures and bright cartoon illustrations.