This book makes explicit the historical, technological, and discursive links between gossip as a mode of communication, news media, and contemporary politics. A Gossip Politic advances a new framework of gossip, applying the informal understanding of the term to news talk and political actors. Authored by esteemed scholars in the fields of Political Science, Media Studies, Linguistics, and Sociology, chapters consider the influence of gossip on the press, the American presidency, and the public. A Gossip Politic provides readers with a multi-faceted portrait of the ways in which gossip has influenced media history, shaped our understanding of democracy, and contributed to our current political landscape.

1. The omigod no!: Notes on News Talk.- 2. Talk as News on Television.- 3. The Celebrity Interview: Gossip, Empathy, and News in Oprah Winfrey's CBS Interview with Meghan Markle.- 4. Hedda Hoppa Meets JFK: Hollywood Gossip, Right-Wing Politics, and the Kennedys.- 5. "Enquiring Minds Want to Know": President Bill Clinton and the Blurring of News and Gossip.- 6. Populism and Trump's Espousal of Conspiracy and Gossip to "Make America Great Again".- 7. Media Framing of the Christine Blasey Ford Testimony: The Influence of Gossip on Sexual Violence Discourses.- 8. The Marriages of Celebrity Politicians: A Social Semiotic Approach to How Commentators Affiliate Around Youtube Gossip Videos.- 9. Gossip on the Hill: Bonding, Bitching, and Politicians' Homestyle Talk on Twitter.

Andrea McDonnell is Associate Professor of Communication and Director of the Communication program at Providence College, USA, where her research examines the relationship between celebrity culture and media audiences.

Adam Silver is Associate Professor of Political Science at Emmanuel College, USA, where his research focuses on the American Political Party Development, specifically the relationship between political elites and the electorate on the crafting of campaign strategy.