Election Rhetoric

Analysis of these patterns of persuasion has limited value: it doesn't tell us which side is "right," what charges are true, what supporting evidence is reliable, or what to do. But, such analysis does help us to sort out -- in a detached and systematic way --some very complex emotional arguments, to identify the examples, and to define the key issues.


People pay more attention to political language during election campaigns. Here are several useful teaching aids within this website related to various ways to analyze election rhetoric:

Images & Issues (Basic claim in elections:"I am competent and trustworthy; from me, you'll get more "good" and less "bad.") -- and a related one page Checklist

Not-So-Great Expectations (Context)

Why Analyze Political Language?( | (Rationale: free speech, verbal conflict vital to democracy; ignorance and apathy harmful.)

Common Complaints about Political Language (7 commonly-heard complaints.)

Questions You Can Ask about Political Language (200+ prompter questions based on the Intensify/Downplay schema.)

Conservative Rhetoric

Progressive Rhetoric

Spin & Spin Doctors

Microtargeting Audiences

Among websites of interest related to election campaigns:

Elections & Campaigns (Ohio Universities InfoTree)

University of Wisconsin Advertising Project | (Resources on Political TV ads)

www.factcheck.com (Univ Pennsylvania/ Annenberg Center: analysis of claims & charges)

www.opensecrets.org | Guide to the money spent on U.S. Elections

amazon.com has an extensive listing of political books related to the 2004 Campaign.

Other Useful Links

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