Download or read book Catastrophic Politics written by Lonna Rae Atkeson and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2012-07-30 with total page 277 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Shocking moments in society create an extraordinary environment that permits political and opinion changes that are unlikely during times of normal politics. Strong emotions felt by the public during catastrophes - even if experienced only vicariously through media coverage - are a powerful motivator of public opinion and activism. By examining public opinion during one extraordinary event, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Lonna Rae Atkeson and Cherie D. Maestas show how media information interacts with emotion in shaping a wide range of political opinions about government and political leaders.