Document Type
Humanities
Abstract
This paper strives to explain the remarkable efficacy of brash rhetoric, specifically analyzed through the lens of Donald Trump’s sustained popularity in the 2016 Presidential Election. Examining Trump’s rhetorically generated relationships with the media, immigrants, politicians, and women, this paper explores the increasing importance of sophistic rhetoric and rhetorical ethos. Appeals to audience identification through in-groups and out-groups are explored, followed by an examination of the appeal of violent metaphors and sanctity considerations to Trump’s voter base. Trump’s successful self perpetuating cycle of shocking statements, followed by increased news coverage and political popularity is explained. Finally, this paper analyzes the historical precedent of Wendell Willkie, the 1940 Republican Presidential Nominee, demonstrating the possibility of a Trump nomination.
Recommended Citation
Sanders, Brian W.
(2016)
"Death of a Politician,"
Global Tides: Vol. 10, Article 3.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/globaltides/vol10/iss1/3
Included in
American Politics Commons, Broadcast and Video Studies Commons, Public Relations and Advertising Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons, Speech and Rhetorical Studies Commons
