From routine operations to the workings of a White House in crisis, this comprehensive, best-selling text examines all aspects of the presidency in rich detail. With a special emphasis on policy, the new edition surveys the most up-to-date scholarship on the topic, and includes an examination of the groundbreaking 2008 presidential election. Taking a theoretical approach, the authors use engaging analysis and timely, fascinating examples to view the presidency from two theoretical standpoints—the president as "facilitator," and the president as "director of change."