This much-anticipated paperback edition has already garnered rave reviews from eminent political scientists and top journals. Professor John H. Aldrich of Duke University praises it as "one of the best books on the study of presidential nominations and elections" and "such a pleasure to read." Presidential Studies Quarterly states that "Opportunism is a trait we often spot in politicians, usually ones we do not like. Lara Brown seeks to operationalize this candidate trait and assess its impact upon candidate success in presidential nominations and elections over the course of our nation's electoral history ... Her extensive analysis yields a variety of new and important findings ... This volume contains much of value for scholars of the presidency and presidential elections." This brilliant book is a must for all who seek a highly accessible yet thoroughly comprehensive book on the presidents, parties and elections in the United States.