"Whistlestop tells the human story of nervous gambits hatched in first-floor hotel rooms, failures of will before the microphone, and the cross-country crack-ups of long-planned stratagems. At the bar at the end of a campaign day, these are the stories reporters rehash for themselves and embellish for newcomers. Whistlestop is a ride through the American campaign history with one of its most enthusiastic conductors pointing out the landmarks along the way."--Jacket.

Inflection points. 1980: "I am paying for this microphone, Mr. Green" -- 1960: The Catholic candidate -- Comebacks. 1948: Truman off the cuff -- 1992: Till the last dog dies -- Collapses. 1988: Dukakis tanks -- 1972: Vote for Muskie or he'll cry -- 1972: Eighteen-day nightmare -- 2004: The Dean scream -- Gambits and gambles. 1964: Stop Goldwater -- 2000: The straight talk express -- Too close to call. 1976: Republicans are people, too -- 1952: Thou shalt not steal -- 1824: The corrupt bargain -- Tar and feather -- 1800: Keep your attack dog fed -- 1884: Ma, Ma, where's my Pa? -- 1884: Burn this letter! -- 1840: the birth of umbrage -- Crashing the party. 1980: A cure for malaise -- 1968: What kind of a nut is George Wallace?.