The Moral Rhetoric of American PresidentsAlthough sometimes decried by pundits, George W. Bush’s use of moral and religious rhetoric is far from unique in the American presidency. Throughout history and across party boundaries, presidents have used such appeals, with varying degrees of political success. The Moral Rhetoric of American Presidents astutely analyzes the president’s role as the nation’s moral spokesman. Armed with quantitative methods from political science and the qualitative case study approach prevalent in rhetorical studies, Colleen J. Shogan demonstrates that moral and religious rhetoric is not simply a reflection of individual character or an expression of American “civil religion” but a strategic tool presidents can use to enhance their constitutional authority. To determine how the use of moral rhetoric has changed over time, Shogan employs content analysis of the inaugural and annual addresses of all the presidents from George Washington through George W. Bush. This quantitative evidence shows that while presidents of both parties have used moral and religious arguments, the frequency has fluctuated considerably and the language has become increasingly detached from relevant policy arguments. Shogan explores the political effects of the rhetorical choices presidents make through nine historical cases (Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Buchanan, Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Carter). She shows that presidents who adapt their rhetoric to the political conditions at hand enhance their constitutional authority, while presidents who ignore political constraints suffer adverse political consequences. The case studies allow Shogan to highlight the specific political circumstances that encourage or discourage the use of moral rhetoric. Shogan concludes with an analysis of several dilemmas of governance instigated by George W. Bush’s persistent devotion to moral and religious argumentation. |
Contents
PRESIDENTIAL MORAL LEADERSHIP AND RHETORIC | 3 |
RHETORICAL PATTERNS OF THE ANNUAL AND INAUGURAL ADDRESSES 17902003 | 20 |
THE POLITICS OF REINFORCING MORAL RHETORIC | 44 |
THE POLITICS OF MORAL RESTRAINT | 83 |
THE POLITICS OF STRATEGIC MORAL RHETORIC | 130 |
THE FUTURE OF RHETORICAL MORALISM IN THE PRESIDENCY | 170 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
According action administration American analysis Annual Address appeals argued attempt authority believed Buchanan Bush Bush's called campaign Carter chapter circumstances citizens civil rights concerning Congress considered constitutional continued crisis criticisms decisions Democratic demonstrate discussion divided divisions effect election embargo emphasized energy engage enhance evil example executive existing expectations faced Federalists force foreign historical House ideals important Inaugural included influence institutional issue James Jefferson John Johnson justice Kennedy Kennedy's language leaders legislation Lincoln Madison moral and religious moral argumentation moral leadership moral restraint moral rhetoric moralistic nation needed particular party political position possible practices presidential rhetoric presidents principles question Radicals religious argumentation religious rhetoric Republican response rhetorical choices role Roosevelt Second Senate served situation slave slavery southern speak speech statements strategic strong studies term throughout tion Union United University Press values views voting Washington White York