Mark A. Smith is Associate Professor of Political Science and Adjunct Professor of Communication at the University of Washington. He is the author of American Business and Political Power: Public Opinion, Elections, and Democracy.

"The Right Talk will appeal to readers interested in rhetoric and framing, political sociology, modern conservatism, culture wars, and public policy. Its many strengths are evident: a timely topic, strong and sober writing, accessible presentation of survey data and relevant literatures, original content analyses, and a consistent, well-structured argument that challenges conventional thinking."---Amy E. Ansell, American Journal of Sociology --- "The Right Talk provides a very valuable argument (and empirical evidence) that ideas and how parties present their arguments matter a great deal to voters. It is a book well-worth reading for those trying to understand contemporary American political dialogs."---Jeffrey M. Stonecash, Public Opinion Quarterly --- "[A] provocative and persuasive account of the way the two major political parties in the United States have dealt with economic issues in the post-World War II period. . . . [T]his is a well-written and researched work of sound judgment, which should be of value to scholars in a wide range of disciplines."---Paul D. Moreno, Labor History --- "Smith's book adds, in a lucid and effective way, to our understanding of the conservative revival."---Earl Sheridan, Political Science Quarterly --- "The Right Talk is a brilliant, provocative, well-written, and well-argued scholarly work."---Philip C. Wander and Jay Busse, Rhetoric Review --- "Given the upcoming elections and the current economic climate, this is a timely book, and one that can be understood by nonspecialists."---S.L. Harrison, Choice --- "The Right Talk argues that during the last 30 years...the language and logic of the market have invaded almost every corner of society--to the right's great advantage...Smith's further point--important by itself--is that while Republicans shifted their rhetoric and arguments toward the logic of the market, Democrats made a different shift, to their own political disadvantage... The Right Talk [is] worth reading as [a provocation] to greater clarity about the still unanswered question of why Republicans keep winning."---Richard Parker, American Prospect