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Palgrave Macmillan

Presidents, Pandemics, and Politics

  • Book
  • © 2016

Overview

Authors:
  1. Max J. Skidmore

    1. Political Science, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, USA

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  • Examines how presidents from Eisenhower to Obama handled the threat of contagious disease and what lessons can be learned from their responses

  • Covers not just spontaneous disease outbreaks, but also the challenges that follow natural disasters when sanitation infrastructure has been damaged

  • Presents an important study for those interested in the presidency, public health, and public administration

Part of the book series: The Evolving American Presidency (EAP)

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Table of contents (7 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-vii
    Download chapter PDF

  2. Introduction

    • Max J. Skidmore
    Pages 1-13

  3. Pandemic Influenza

    • Max J. Skidmore
    Pages 15-24

  4. Misguided Responses to Public Health Emergencies

    • Max J. Skidmore
    Pages 25-41

  5. Appropriate Responses to Public Health Emergencies

    • Max J. Skidmore
    Pages 43-51

  6. President R. Gerald Ford

    • Max J. Skidmore
    Pages 53-57

  7. President Ford’s National Influenza Immunization Program: A Special Case

    • Max J. Skidmore
    Pages 59-76

  8. Conclusions

    • Max J. Skidmore
    Pages 77-82

  9. Back Matter

    Pages 83-97
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Keywords

About this book

This book is an examination of the manner in which American presidents respond to pandemics and other public health crises. Skidmore argues that presidential performance in dealing with emergencies and pandemics varies, but those who are informed, focused, and confident that government can work are most likely to be successful. As an example, Gerald Ford’s “Swine Flu program” is widely derided as incompetent and politically motivated. Closer examination, however, suggests the contrary, demonstrating the potential of government to act quickly and effectively against public health emergencies, even when facing formidable obstacles. The American government has a mixed record ranging from excellent to unacceptable, even counterproductive, in dealing with emergency threats to life and health. Despite ideological arguments to the contrary, however, governments are important to effective responses, and in the American setting, presidential action is essential.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Political Science, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, USA

    Max J. Skidmore

About the author

Max J. Skidmore is Curators’ Professor of Political Science and Thomas Jefferson Fellow at University of Missouri-Kansas City, USA.

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