The amazing election of 2008 is going to spawn a generation of analysis of why Barack Obama won and what the repercussions of that victory prove to be. Here's a smart start-from the impact of George W. Bush's legacy to the role of religion-by some of the nation's most respected political scientists. Beyond the election of the nation's first African American president, they argue in this informative set of essays, 2008 may well mark a major shift in American politics that echoes for decades. Here's a look at how that happened.

Susan Page, Washington bureau chief, USA Today

[O]ffers wide-ranging perspectives on the meaning and effects of the election, and is an excellent starting point for analysis of the unfolding Obama presidency and the 111th Congress as they head towards 2010 and 2012.

American Review of Politics

The American Elections of 2008 offers wide-ranging perspectives on the meaning and effects of the election, and is an excellent starting point for analysis of the unfolding Obama presidency and the 111th Congress as they head towards 2010 and 2012.

Albert C. Ringelstein, American Review of Politics

This collection of smart and solid essays on the 2008 election offers valuable insights on why Barack Obama won and the implications of his victory for American politics in the years to come. It opens an intriguing debate: Was 2008 the beginning of a realignment?

Doyle McManus, Washington columnist, Los Angeles Times