This volume brings together the major thrusts of contemporary research and theory in political communication. The approach stresses theoretical overviews and research synthesis with the goal of each chapter to provide an overview of the major lines of research, theory, and findings for that topic. Editor Lynda Kaid brings together top scholars to explore the state of political communication research. Part I contains chapters that discuss some of the theoretical background, history, structure, and diversity of the field. Part II concentrates on messages that are predominant in the study of political communication, ranging from classical rhetorical modes to political advertising and debates. The next two sections focus on the news media coverage of politics, political issues, and political institutions followed by an emphasis on public opinion and the audiences of political communication. Part V offers international perspectives on political communication with the inclusion of European and Asian approaches. The final section provides an opportunity to look at the newest channel in political communication study, the Internet, and its role in changing the face of political communication. As a comprehensive examination of the political communication field, the volume is intended for scholars and researchers in political communication, mass communication, and political science. It will also find readers in public opinion, political psychology, and related areas.