America is in a period of great division; between political parties and within them. President Trump is not just the leader of the country, but of the Republican Party. As we saw with the fight to pass a bill to repeal and replace Obamacare, there are warring factions in the GOP. Will moderate conservatives, establishment conservatives and social conservatives work together to get things done? How will they work with Democrats to bring about positive change in Washington?

From the moment Donald J. Trump rode down the escalator to announce his candidacy for president, American politics would never be the same. Age-old traditions of the primary process and general election would be thrown out the window. Social media took over and election etiquette took a hit in the process. After a grueling, brass-knuckle campaign, voters who asked for a change, got it. President Trump campaigned on the promise to transform Washington, drain the swamp, and put America first. What does this mean for “We the People?” Has Donald J. Trump forever changed the face of Presidential Politics?

Freedom of the press is a valuable tool. The Fourth Estate refers to the watchdog role of the press, which keeps the three branches of government in check. The problem comes with the rise of Fake News, which is meant to influence voters based on false information. What are the risks and rewards of media coverage in politics? Alice Stewart examines the new media reality where “a lie can get halfway around the world before the truth can get its pants on” and what it means to the future of politics, government and the role of the press.

Any communications professional will tell you that the best way to convey your message is to keep it short and concise, in other words: “Keep it Simple Stupid.” Take it from the experts: James Carville said it best: “It’s the economy, stupid.” President Obama promised “Hope and Change.” Hillary Clinton said we are “Stronger together.” President Trump vowed to “Make America Great Again.” President Trump mastered the art of “branding” and it was an effective tool in winning over voters. Alice Stewart looks at the winning political campaigns, sharing the secrets of effective messaging that anyone can leverage in their communications.

The fact that Hillary Clinton won the popular vote and President Trump won the Electoral College raised a great deal of concern about the process. How do those in “Flyover Country” keep their voices heard against the “Coastal Elites?” Clearly those in the bubbles of Washington DC and New York City did not understand what was happening in the heartland and they never predicted a Trump victory. What have we learned from this and how will it affect the next presidential election in 2020?

Modern technology has had a tremendous impact on the second oldest profession. The media business has become is a 27/4 affair. This can make or break a candidate, nominee, legislation or any public figure. How do those who cover politics, public affairs and breaking news meet the demands of getting the story right while also getting it right now? How do campaigns deploy rapid response teams to diffuse negative stories? Who can readers trust to get the story right? Alice Stewart guides you through an increasingly shifting media landscape.