Modern Political Campaigns - 2nd Edition by Michael D Cohen

About the Book

Dr. Michael D. Cohen, a 20+ year veteran of working on, teaching, and writing about political campaigns shows readers how campaigns are organized, explains state-of-the-art tools of the trade, and reveals how some of the most interesting people in politics got their big breaks. He combines academic insights and practical advice that will be of interest to practitioners and students considering careers in politics. The second edition, updated to include a new chapter on how artificial intelligence impacts campaigns, has been completely revised throughout to provide readers with an up-to-date understanding of how campaigns succeed.

Book Synopsis

Dr. Michael D. Cohen, a 30+ year veteran of working on, teaching, and writing about political campaigns shows readers how campaigns are organized, explains state-of-the-art tools of the trade, and reveals how some of the most interesting people in politics got their big breaks. He combines academic insights and practical advice that will be of interest to practitioners and students considering careers in politics, and people interested in how elections are won. The second edition, updated to include a new chapter on how campaigns are using artificial intelligence and what that means for democracy, has been completely revised throughout to provide readers with an up-to-date understanding of how candidates succeed.

Review Quotes

"With AI and a fragmented media environment already redefining how campaigns are run, Cohen's book is a must-read for seasoned and new political professionals looking to understand the mechanics of campaigns." --Katie Harbath, CEO of Anchor Change

"Modern Political Campaigns stands out as a strong foundation for anyone looking to start their career in politics, offering an excellent preview of how campaigns actually work. Cohen explains in detail how technology and data have revolutionized modern campaigns, from the role of voter files to his vision of the emerging AI revolution. His practical insights make this a guide invaluable for understanding the modern political landscape." --Caitlin Huxley, Campaign Strategist & Author

"Michael Cohen's Modern Political Campaigns is a rarity in the world of political books - being both a lively, interesting read as well as a smart, informed text to stay on top of the rapidly-changing world of waging political campaigns. If there is one book that is the most actionable in understanding both the art and science of campaigns, this is that book." --Zac McCrary, Democratic Pollster

"Every four years brings massive change to political campaigns. Michael Cohen has written an essential guide that connects the industry's history with a future driven by data and technology." --Michael Beach, CEO of Cross Screen Media

"Michael Cohen weds a pollster's eye for demographic trends and academic rigor with political smarts - learned and taught, from the classroom to the field - in this compelling and imminently functional campaign guide. He worked hard at understanding how AI is reshaping how we select our leaders and has turned in an invaluable update. Buy this book." --Tom LoBianco, editor 24sight News, Mike Pence biographer

"Michael Cohen's Modern Political Campaigns is essential reading not only for the aspiring political practitioner but for anyone who wants to understand how the electoral victories that shape the course of American history actually come together. From television to grassroots organizing to emerging fields like AI, Cohen shines a light on the dark corners of campaign headquarters to demystify a vitally important yet seldom understood part of how democracy works." --Patrick Ruffini, Republican pollster and political strategist

"In this fully updated second edition, Modern Political Campaigns takes readers behind the scenes of how elections are won and lost in today's ever-evolving political landscape. Drawing on more than three decades of experience, Dr. Cohen blends engaging examples, thought-provoking workshops, and practical guidance to explore the transformation of campaigns into highly specialized and professionalized efforts.

With new insights into the role of technology-including the AI revolution-this edition is both a classroom favorite and a must-read for aspiring candidates, campaigners, and anyone passionate about politics. From the "why" to the "how," this book is an essential guide to mastering the art and science of modern campaigning." --Suzanne M. Robbins, University of Florida

About the Author

MICHAEL D. COHEN, Ph.D. is CEO of Cohen Research Group, a political, public affairs, and corporate research firm. He publishes the award-winning Congress in Your Pocket suite of mobile apps and teaches college courses on political campaigns, research methods, digital strategy, and public policy in Washington, DC.