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Campaign '96: A Functional Analysis of Acclaiming, Attacking, and Defending
Contributor(s): Benoit, William L. (Author), Ph D., Joseph R. Blaney (Author), Pier, P. M. (Author)

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ISBN: 0275963616     ISBN-13: 9780275963613
Publisher: Praeger
OUR PRICE: $99.75  

Binding Type: Hardcover - See All Available Formats & Editions
Published: November 1998
Qty:

Click for more in this series: Praeger Series in Political Communication (Hardcover)
Additional Information
BISAC Categories:
- Political Science | American Government - General
- Language Arts & Disciplines | Public Speaking & Speech Writing
- Language Arts & Disciplines | Communication Studies
Dewey: 808.510
LCCN: 98015646
Lexile Measure: 1220(Not Available)
Series: Praeger Series in Political Communication (Hardcover)
Physical Information: 1.06" H x 6.36" W x 9.5" L (1.38 lbs) 288 pages
Themes:
- Chronological Period - 1990's
Features: Bibliography, Index
 
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
Publisher Description:

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.

 
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