First published in 1998. It is with great pleasure that we introduce the inaugural volume in the series “Politics and Policy in American Institutions.” The series strives to show the interaction of American political institutions within the context of public policymaking. Presidents as Candidates offers a truly unique treatment of the White House role in the re-election efforts of contemporary presidents since 1956. Throughout the volume, Kathryn Tenpas compares and contrasts these eight re-election efforts (from Eisenhower through Clinton). She considers the many unique differences and similarities of each White House-led effort. As with any good study, she considers the multitude of political, institutional and policy factors (domestic, economic and international) that affect the strategies and decisions made.