Noted and preeminent presidential scholars Tom Cronin and Michael Genovese examine the American presidency as a series of difficult to reconcile contradictory forces. In particular, they look at how the oft-times irreconcilable necessities of exercising power and retaining popular support force the presidents into decision processes that are fraught with complication. Cronin and Genovese look at the presidency in a thorough fashion, from the selection process and its inevitable compromises, to relationships between the president and the Courts, Congress, Cabinet, public, and even spouse.