W. Phillips Shively is Emeritus Professor of Political Science at the University of Minnesota, and has also served on the faculties of Yale University, the University of Oregon, and Oslo University, Norway. At the University of Minnesota, he has served as Provost for Arts, Sciences and Engineering, and has also been inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Teachers for his work with students.

James W. Endersby is Professor of Political Science in the Harry S Truman School of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Missouri. He was previously a fellow at the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. He has received several awards for teaching and scholarship.