Melissa Smith has done a remarkable job of reviewing and summarizing the role of outsiders in modern American presidential elections. Her rhetorical history technique looks at how these candidates, who were often on the fringes of establishment politics, gradually pushed for changes that altered how the public viewed political candidates and their issues. She gradually builds this rhetorical history into a comprehensive explanation for the success of Donald Trump and his outsider campaign. At first glance, some readers may be surprised at how such disparate candidates as Shirley Chisolm and Ross Perot contribute to this legacy, but Smith makes the connection well. It’s an impressive book that is well written and supported by in-depth research. The result is a remarkable study that every presidential scholar should examine.

Larry Powell, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Dr. Smith’s timely book reminds scholars that as attractive as the two major parties are, there is much to learn from outsider candidates. From the early populists to the modern Tea Party and beyond, this meticulously researched book shows the commonalities that make political outsiders both compelling and confusing. Dr. Smith tackles complex subjects of history and theory clearly and concisely, making this book useful to scholars and students alike. Given the current trends in political discourse, scholars would be wise to consider the ways in which these candidates carve out rhetorical space, and this book is an excellent primer on those emerging trends.

Mike Milford, Auburn University

Dr. Smith helps us understand an important part of the American political process—how outsiders challenge the two party system. Her case study method helps students and scholars understand challengers in great depth, and the concluding section helps bring it all together. Particularly salient is Chapter 13 on President Trump and the aftermath of the 2020 election. Americans from across the political divide need to understand the particular phenomenon of those who feel like outsiders even when their candidate controls the White House.

William F. Harlow, University of Texas of the Permian Basin