Policy and promises matter, but the way politicians articulate them can be just as important — especially on live television.
Articles on Political rhetoric
Displaying 41 - 60 of 81 articles
Dog whistles constitute coded language that only some voters can hear. But Trump does not hide his bigotry when talking about Mexican ‘rapists,’ the ‘China virus’ and ‘law and order.’
Democrats and Republicans are speaking about impeachment with dramatically different language. The winner of this frame war will succeed in shaping how Americans understand the impeachment inquiry.
Each spin of the news cycle hits us with another ‘bombshell,’ while everything from free speech to race has been ‘weaponized.’ What’s the effect of being relentlessly exposed to metaphors of war?
Difficult to pronounce, synecdoche is the form of rhetoric used by President Trump when he told four Democratic congresswomen of color to “go back” to the “corrupt” countries they came from.
A polarized electorate is divided into tribal camps that demonize each other. That’s the setting for the upcoming midterm elections. If the US continues down this path, democracy will suffer.
In Kenneth Burke’s ‘The War of Words,’ the late rhetorical theorist picks apart the little ways news articles can subtly influence readers – and harden divisions.
Trump’s surrogates have deployed tried and true rhetorical techniques to defend the president.
Aristotle coined the term “enthymeme” to refer to arguments, words and ideas that are broadly accepted among the people of a nation. So what happens when enthymemes start to disappear?
In the abstract, this near-mythic figure represents bravery, hard work and manliness.
It was remarkable to see Donald Trump stay on script for a full 80 minutes. It also proved what a gruelling tradition the State of the Union is.
The Conversation’s experts annotate Treasurer Scott Morrison’s 2017-18 budget speech.
For all their defiant talk of ‘business as usual’, savvy leaders know that any good response to a crisis is also an emotional performance.
Whatever you think of her politics, May’s decision to rise above divisive tough talk was an admirable one.
An address that’s normally a call for unity instead mirrored the rhetoric of his campaign: unfocused, contradictory and divisive.
Trump will be the 44th man to take to the inaugural podium. Very few have left a mark on it.
Heading into the last days of the Obama administration, the outgoing first lady cemented a noble legacy for herself.
Scholars of communications pick apart the rhetoric behind the ‘war on coal’ and explain why it ultimately benefits the coal industry.
While the US is reeling from rampant fake online news, political movements in Europe are using the internet as a powerful democratic symbol to win elections. Will cyber-optimism or pessimism win?
In reelection bid, Merkel’s not just up against a xenophobic, nationalist party in Germany. In the wake of Trump’s election, liberal democracies around the world hope she’ll defend them, too.
Top contributors
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Professor of Communication and Journalism, Texas A&M University
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Senior Lecturer and Senior Digital Learning Developer, UCL
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Associate Professor in Linguistics, Macquarie University
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Liberal Arts Professor of Political Science, Penn State
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Roger J. Kreuz is a Friend of The Conversation.
Associate Dean and Feinstone Interdisciplinary Research Professor, University of Memphis
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Assistant Professor of German and Global Studies, Michigan State University
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Dennis Altman is a Friend of The Conversation.
Vice Chancellor's Fellow and Professorial Fellow, Institute for Human Security and Social Change, La Trobe University
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Professor of Modern History, University of Leeds
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Assistant researcher, University of Sydney
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Associate Professor of Communication Studies and Affiliate Faculty in the Department of Rhetoric and Writing, The University of Texas at Austin
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Professor of Political Science, Georgia State University; Institute for Humane Studies
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Associate Professor in Public Policy and Administration, Boise State University
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Professor, University of Montana
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Chief executive officer, Grattan Institute
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PhD Researcher in Performance and Politics, University of Surrey