With Reverence and Contempt

"Tom Langston has made an enormous contribution to our understanding of American political culture and the underlying values involved in judgements about presidential performance. His work will help clarify our expectations about presidential governance, and will provide rigor in developing concepts of use in the national conversation about values in politics."--Richard M. Pious, Barnard College. "Langston's fascinating analysis of the dysfunctional relationship between Americans and their presidents is required reading for anyone concerned with the future of American politics."--Michael Lind, Senior Editor, 'Harper's Magazine'