This course will examine two critical aspects of the modern U.S. presidency: first, analyzing in real-time the 2012 presidential race and how a president is elected, and second, comparing and contrasting the role and style of contemporary presidents. We will examine the presidential decision-making process in dealing with crisis situations -- from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama -- with emphasis on foreign policy decisions. We will also consider the changing role of the U.S. President at the beginning of the 21st Century, specifically discussing the impact of terrorism, two wars, and the financial crisis, on the governing process. The course offers an insider’s perspective on how major events shape both foreign and domestic White House policy. We will examine America’s new role in a rapidly changing world, with emphasis on how the White House is affected by modern technology, the 24-hour news cycle, and globalization. The course will also scrutinize the functions of key White House staff and their expanding role in the governing process, and consider the mechanics and the politics of staffing over 3,500 senior federal positions, including the U.S. Senate confirmation process. There also will be a post-election analysis following the November 2012 General Election.