Praeger Political Communication Campaign 96: A Functional Analysis of Acclaiming Attacking and Defending (Hardcover)

Benoit Blaney and Pier apply the functional theory of political campaign discourse to the 1996 presidential campaign. When a citizen casts a vote he or she makes a decision about which candidate is preferable. There are only three types of rhetorical strategies for persuading voters to believe a candidate is the better choice: acclaiming or self-praise attacking or criticizing an opponent and defending or responding to attacks. As they illustrate acclaims if accepted by the audience make the candidate appear better. Attacks can make the opponent seem worse improving the source s apparent preferability. If attacked a candidate can attempt to restore--or prevent--lost credibility by defending against that attack. As Benoit Blaney and Pier point out the functional theory of political communication is relatively new and their book illustrates it with a detailed analysis of the most recent presidential campaign. One of the major strengths of the study is the variety of message forms examined: television spots debates talk radio appearances keynote speeches acceptance speeches speeches by spouses radio addresses and free television time remarks. It also examines all three parts of the campaign--primary nominating conventions and general campaign. This comprehensive analysis of the 96 presidential campaign will be of considerable use to students scholars and other researchers dealing with contemporary American electioneering.