Celebrity 'Outsider' Politicians in the Digital Realm

"Mark Wheeler has established a formidable reputation as a major commentator on the intersection between media culture and the democratic process. His book draws on his exemplary track record of examining the interplay between celebrity and politics and the result is that he able to provide a highly original exploration of the electoral phenomenon that is Donald Trump. But this formidable contribution helps explain and put Trump’s seemingly extraordinary success in context by exploring how and why he was able to strategically exploit his fame to help him win the White House. Professor Wheeler’s contribution transcends conventional forms of political analysis which have often struggled to understand the origins and appeal of this most idiosyncratic of presidents."

Dominic Wring, Professor of Political Communication and Head of Communication and Media, Loughborough University

"Mark Wheeler has been one of the most serious scholars on the personalisation of politics, and this book on the digitisation of renegade political charisma delivers again. Wheeler’s focus has eluded previous analyses of “outsider” political authority. He brings order to our understanding of the emergent role of social media in driving a politics of chaos and anti-administration. An essential volume."

Michael Higgins, University of Strathclyde