📖 Overview
Michael Tesler is a Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Irvine, specializing in public opinion, political psychology, and racial politics in America. His research has focused extensively on how racial attitudes and prejudices influence political behavior and voting patterns in the United States.
Tesler gained prominence through his work analyzing the role of racial attitudes during Barack Obama's presidency and the subsequent political landscape. His book "Post-Racial or Most-Racial? Race and Politics in the Obama Era" (2016) presented evidence that racial attitudes became more strongly aligned with political preferences during Obama's presidency.
His collaborative work includes "Identity Crisis: The 2016 Presidential Campaign and the Battle for the Meaning of America" (co-authored with John Sides and Lynn Vavreck) which examined how identity politics shaped the 2016 election. Tesler has also published extensively in academic journals and contributes regularly to media outlets including The Washington Post's Monkey Cage blog.
Tesler's research methodology combines statistical analysis of survey data with experimental approaches to examine how racial attitudes influence political behavior. His work has been particularly influential in understanding the intersection of racial resentment, political polarization, and voting patterns in contemporary American politics.
👀 Reviews
Readers value Tesler's data-driven analysis and evidence-based approach to examining racial attitudes in American politics. Amazon and Goodreads reviews highlight his clear presentation of research findings and thorough statistical methodology.
Readers appreciate:
- Clear explanations of complex polling data and statistics
- Detailed documentation and research citations
- Neutral, academic tone when discussing sensitive topics
- Connection of historical trends to current events
Common criticisms:
- Dense academic writing style can be challenging for general readers
- Some sections are heavy on statistical methodology
- Limited discussion of potential solutions or recommendations
On Goodreads, "Post-Racial or Most-Racial?" maintains a 4.2/5 rating from 89 reviews. "Identity Crisis" holds a 4.0/5 from 213 reviews. Amazon ratings average 4.3/5 across his books.
Review quote: "Tesler presents compelling evidence through careful analysis, even if the writing isn't always accessible to non-academics." - Amazon reviewer
📚 Books by Michael Tesler
Identity Crisis: The 2016 Presidential Campaign and the Battle for the Meaning of America (2018)
Analyzes how racial attitudes, religious beliefs, and gender-based ideologies influenced voting behavior during the 2016 presidential election.
Post-Racial or Most-Racial? Race and Politics in the Obama Era (2016) Examines how Barack Obama's presidency affected racial attitudes and political preferences among different racial groups in America.
Obama's Race: The 2008 Election and the Dream of a Post-Racial America (2010) Documents how racial attitudes shaped voting patterns and public opinion during Barack Obama's first presidential campaign.
Most-Racial Politics: Elite Appeals and the Growth of White Identity Politics (2023) Investigates the rise of white identity as a political force and its impact on American electoral politics from 1988 to 2020.
Post-Racial or Most-Racial? Race and Politics in the Obama Era (2016) Examines how Barack Obama's presidency affected racial attitudes and political preferences among different racial groups in America.
Obama's Race: The 2008 Election and the Dream of a Post-Racial America (2010) Documents how racial attitudes shaped voting patterns and public opinion during Barack Obama's first presidential campaign.
Most-Racial Politics: Elite Appeals and the Growth of White Identity Politics (2023) Investigates the rise of white identity as a political force and its impact on American electoral politics from 1988 to 2020.
👥 Similar authors
Christopher Achen analyzes political behavior and voting patterns through quantitative methods. His work examines racial attitudes and political psychology in American elections, similar to Tesler's focus on racial politics.
Vincent Hutchings studies how race influences political behavior and public opinion in American politics. His research investigates racial attitudes in campaigns and elections, incorporating survey data and experimental methods.
Tali Mendelberg examines how racial messages and coded language affect political behavior and communication. Her work explores implicit bias and racial appeals in American politics through empirical research.
Ashley Jardina focuses on white identity politics and racial attitudes in American political behavior. She investigates how demographic changes and racial resentment shape voting patterns and policy preferences.
Marc Hetherington researches political trust, polarization, and authoritarianism in American politics. His analysis of how personality traits and racial attitudes influence political behavior aligns with Tesler's research methods.
Vincent Hutchings studies how race influences political behavior and public opinion in American politics. His research investigates racial attitudes in campaigns and elections, incorporating survey data and experimental methods.
Tali Mendelberg examines how racial messages and coded language affect political behavior and communication. Her work explores implicit bias and racial appeals in American politics through empirical research.
Ashley Jardina focuses on white identity politics and racial attitudes in American political behavior. She investigates how demographic changes and racial resentment shape voting patterns and policy preferences.
Marc Hetherington researches political trust, polarization, and authoritarianism in American politics. His analysis of how personality traits and racial attitudes influence political behavior aligns with Tesler's research methods.