Domestic RhetoricDomestic Rhetoric“Going Public”“Going Public”

Matthew ButterworthMatthew Butterworth

Caitlin McGarrCaitlin McGarr

Chelsea MullarneyChelsea Mullarney

What is “Going Public”What is “Going Public”

► The idea that the President goes straight to The idea that the President goes straight to the people to get support for initiatives.the people to get support for initiatives. The people will then influence the policy makersThe people will then influence the policy makers

► According to Mel Laracey the point of going According to Mel Laracey the point of going public is to go over the head of Congress so public is to go over the head of Congress so that the constituents will pressure their that the constituents will pressure their individual representatives to go along with individual representatives to go along with what the President wants. what the President wants. Political MobilizationPolitical Mobilization Can be done by:Can be done by:

►Contacting RepresentativesContacting Representatives►Psychological EffectsPsychological Effects

“ “Only a newspaper can put the same Only a newspaper can put the same thought at the same time before a thought at the same time before a

thousand readers. A newspaper is an thousand readers. A newspaper is an adviser that need not be sought out, adviser that need not be sought out,

but come of its own accord and talks to but come of its own accord and talks to you briefly every day about the you briefly every day about the

commonwealth, without distracting you commonwealth, without distracting you from your private affairs.” from your private affairs.”

- Alexis De Tocqueville- Alexis De Tocqueville

History of Going Public Before History of Going Public Before the 20the 20thth Century Century

► Can represent the direct will of the peopleCan represent the direct will of the people► Federalist PapersFederalist Papers► President’s aligned themselves with specific President’s aligned themselves with specific

newspapers, especially in the 19newspapers, especially in the 19thth century century► Lincoln and the Emancipation ProclamationLincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation► Andrew Johnson- “Going Public” gone badAndrew Johnson- “Going Public” gone bad► 2020thth Century Presidents that we’ll talk Century Presidents that we’ll talk

about:about: FDRFDR KennedyKennedy ClintonClinton

““Going Public” and Setting the Going Public” and Setting the AgendaAgenda

► Article testing the State of the Union Article testing the State of the Union on public agendaon public agenda

► Found that Foreign Policy, Economics, Found that Foreign Policy, Economics, and Civil Rights were the most covered and Civil Rights were the most covered topics in the State of the Uniontopics in the State of the Union

► Research found that the President Research found that the President does have agenda-setting power, can does have agenda-setting power, can be seen as “agenda gate-keeper”be seen as “agenda gate-keeper”

TodayToday

► The article from the previous slide was The article from the previous slide was from 1995, does it still hold true today?from 1995, does it still hold true today?

► Gallup Poll from October 4-7, 2007, “Most Gallup Poll from October 4-7, 2007, “Most Important Issues:Important Issues:

All Economic Issues overall 22%All Economic Issues overall 22%

1.1. Situation in Iraq 33%Situation in Iraq 33%

2.2. Poor health care/hospitals; high cost of health Poor health care/hospitals; high cost of health care 13%care 13%

3.3. Immigration/Illegal Aliens 9%Immigration/Illegal Aliens 9%

4.4. Economy Overall 9%Economy Overall 9%

Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Fireside ChatsFireside Chats

Overview of the Fireside Overview of the Fireside ChatsChats

► FDR is credited, according to Russell D. FDR is credited, according to Russell D. Buhite and David W. Levy with transforming Buhite and David W. Levy with transforming and modernizing the role of the presidencyand modernizing the role of the presidency

► He had a unique ability to communicate He had a unique ability to communicate with the American people. with the American people.

► Used the radio as a means of Used the radio as a means of communication even as Governor of NYcommunication even as Governor of NY

► Term “Fireside Chat” came from an Term “Fireside Chat” came from an employee of CBS employee of CBS

““I never saw him-I never saw him-But I knew him. Can you have forgottenBut I knew him. Can you have forgotten

How, with his voice, he came into our house,How, with his voice, he came into our house,The President of the United States,The President of the United States,

Calling us friends…”Calling us friends…”

May 7, 1933: Progress Made May 7, 1933: Progress Made During the New Deal’s First Two During the New Deal’s First Two

MonthsMonths► Buhite and Levy: “he wanted to establish a Buhite and Levy: “he wanted to establish a

momentum for crucial bills that he had momentum for crucial bills that he had proposed, but that the Congress had not yet proposed, but that the Congress had not yet acted upon.”acted upon.”

► These bills included the:These bills included the: Federal Emergency Relief ActFederal Emergency Relief Act Tennessee Valley AuthorityTennessee Valley Authority Railroad billRailroad bill The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) National Industrial Recovery ActNational Industrial Recovery Act

Important QuotesImportant Quotes

1.1. Statement of how the President had Statement of how the President had bills that he had suggested to bills that he had suggested to CongressCongress

• Appeal to the people through the Appeal to the people through the prospect of employmentprospect of employment

2.2. Puts faith in the people of the United Puts faith in the people of the United StatesStates

• Motivates them to support himMotivates them to support him

3.3. Talks to the people as equalsTalks to the people as equals

Fireside Chat VideoFireside Chat Video

May 7, 1933 Clips from the Fireside ChatMay 7, 1933 Clips from the Fireside Chat

April 28, 1935: Defending the April 28, 1935: Defending the WPA and Pressing for Social WPA and Pressing for Social

SecuritySecurity► The purpose was to tell The purpose was to tell

the public about a series the public about a series of laws he had proposed of laws he had proposed to congressto congress

► The most important were:The most important were: National Industrial National Industrial

Recovery Act Recovery Act (reauthorization was (reauthorization was needed)needed)

Social Security Act Social Security Act

► He wanted public support He wanted public support for his proposed for his proposed initiativesinitiatives

Important QuotesImportant Quotes

► He alienates the people who oppose He alienates the people who oppose him:him: ““No reasonable person”No reasonable person”

► He notes all of the accomplishments He notes all of the accomplishments of his plans so far as a reason to of his plans so far as a reason to support his legislation furthersupport his legislation further

►Encourages Congress’ support, but Encourages Congress’ support, but through the use of the public as a toolthrough the use of the public as a tool

Fireside Chats revisitedFireside Chats revisited

► There have been many serious There have been many serious attempts at recreating FDR’s attempts at recreating FDR’s connection with the peopleconnection with the people

►There have also been spoofs, including There have also been spoofs, including this spoof of a Fireside Chat with this spoof of a Fireside Chat with George W. BushGeorge W. Bush

JFK: “Going Public” with JFK: “Going Public” with Space ExplorationSpace Exploration

September 12, 1962September 12, 1962Rice UniversityRice University

Setting the StageSetting the Stage► After the failure of the Bay of Pigs, and the After the failure of the Bay of Pigs, and the

numerous Soviet “firsts” in terms of space numerous Soviet “firsts” in terms of space exploration as the Cold War began to heat up (first exploration as the Cold War began to heat up (first satellite, animal, man), the Kennedy Administration satellite, animal, man), the Kennedy Administration needed a new rallying point for the American needed a new rallying point for the American people.people.

► During Kennedy’s “Special Message to the Congress During Kennedy’s “Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs” of May 1961, he set forth on Urgent National Needs” of May 1961, he set forth a plan: “I believe that this nation should commit a plan: “I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon…”out, of landing a man on the moon…”

► However, at this point NASA had only accumulated However, at this point NASA had only accumulated 15 minutes and 22 seconds of manned flight time. 15 minutes and 22 seconds of manned flight time.

► JFK’s speech at Rice University was his attempt to JFK’s speech at Rice University was his attempt to justify his ambitious plan, while gaining the justify his ambitious plan, while gaining the American people’s support in the endeavor.American people’s support in the endeavor.

Rhetorical Constructions of Rhetorical Constructions of Space, Time, and the American Space, Time, and the American

PeoplePeople► The Speech (shortened)The Speech (shortened)► The goal of this speech was to The goal of this speech was to

convince the American people that convince the American people that going to the moon was a feasible and going to the moon was a feasible and worthwhile goal to attempt. worthwhile goal to attempt.

► Thus, he has to motivate his audience Thus, he has to motivate his audience and the American people as a whole and the American people as a whole to “reach for the moon.”to “reach for the moon.”

► He did this through specific rhetorical He did this through specific rhetorical constructions of the three terms listed constructions of the three terms listed above, defining them to best orient above, defining them to best orient his audience towards the attainment his audience towards the attainment of the goal, or at least a belief that of the goal, or at least a belief that the goal of landing a man on the the goal of landing a man on the moon was attainable. moon was attainable.

Rhetorical Constructions of Rhetorical Constructions of SpaceSpace► The most important aspect of his The most important aspect of his

speech was making the moon and speech was making the moon and outer space in general seem to be a outer space in general seem to be a reachable destination, by reachable destination, by minimizing the infinity of space. minimizing the infinity of space.

► It was important that he had a It was important that he had a tangible destination in the moon, or tangible destination in the moon, or else it would have been nearly else it would have been nearly impossible to define the goal. impossible to define the goal.

► Kennedy helped lessen the Kennedy helped lessen the impossibility of landing on the moon impossibility of landing on the moon by defining a set of concentric by defining a set of concentric circles that tied the audience circles that tied the audience together with the larger beyond together with the larger beyond that could now include outer space.that could now include outer space.

► ““We meet at a college noted for We meet at a college noted for knowledge, in a city noted for knowledge, in a city noted for progress, in a State noted for progress, in a State noted for strength.” strength.”

► “…“…this city of Houston, this state of this city of Houston, this state of Texas, this county of the United Texas, this county of the United States.”States.”

Space, ContinuedSpace, Continued► In this spatial argument, the moon seemed In this spatial argument, the moon seemed

less the unfamiliar territory of space than less the unfamiliar territory of space than the next largest locale toward which we the next largest locale toward which we must venture.must venture.

► Kennedy referred to space as a “new sea” Kennedy referred to space as a “new sea” upon which “we set sail,” which helped to upon which “we set sail,” which helped to enforce the idea that space exploration was enforce the idea that space exploration was in fact possible. in fact possible.

► He defines the moon as the next logical He defines the moon as the next logical step when he says, “But why, some say, the step when he says, “But why, some say, the moon? Why choose this as our goal? And moon? Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask why climb the highest they may well ask why climb the highest mountain? Why, 35 years ago, fly the mountain? Why, 35 years ago, fly the Atlantic?”Atlantic?”

► He seems to eliminate the need for a He seems to eliminate the need for a rational basis by using this argument. He rational basis by using this argument. He seems to be saying, it is there so we should seems to be saying, it is there so we should prove to ourselves we can conquer it, as he prove to ourselves we can conquer it, as he says, “Well, space is there, and we’re going says, “Well, space is there, and we’re going to climb it.”to climb it.”

JFK’s Rhetorical Construction JFK’s Rhetorical Construction of Timeof Time

► Through his rhetoric, JFK generates both a sense of urgency and one Through his rhetoric, JFK generates both a sense of urgency and one of perseverance, since he didn’t know how long it would take for the of perseverance, since he didn’t know how long it would take for the technology to accomplish his goal to actually be available.technology to accomplish his goal to actually be available.

► Early in the address he stated that “we meet in an hour of change Early in the address he stated that “we meet in an hour of change and challenge, in a decade of hope and fear, in an age of both and challenge, in a decade of hope and fear, in an age of both knowledge and ignorance.”knowledge and ignorance.”

► Kennedy articulated the urgency by providing pivotal moments in Kennedy articulated the urgency by providing pivotal moments in human history, but asking the audience to compact 5,000 years into human history, but asking the audience to compact 5,000 years into 50. Thus, for example, “Christianity began less than 2 years ago,” and 50. Thus, for example, “Christianity began less than 2 years ago,” and “only last week did we develop penicillin and television and power…” “only last week did we develop penicillin and television and power…” As he continues, the intervals between events become smaller, and As he continues, the intervals between events become smaller, and the coming goal seems far more attainable when put into this the coming goal seems far more attainable when put into this perspective, and there is an escalating sense of achievement. perspective, and there is an escalating sense of achievement.

► This escalation infers that the next great accomplishment in American This escalation infers that the next great accomplishment in American history must happen starting TOMORROW. Kennedy also further history must happen starting TOMORROW. Kennedy also further emphasizes this idea by speaking of the technologies he had seen in emphasizes this idea by speaking of the technologies he had seen in the last twenty four hours as he visited NASA facilities in the area. the last twenty four hours as he visited NASA facilities in the area.

► Past, present, and future were tied together. It was the audience’s Past, present, and future were tied together. It was the audience’s turn to make history. The time was upon them.turn to make history. The time was upon them.

The Role of the The Role of the PeoplePeople

► The speech offered the American people a role they wanted to fulfill. He The speech offered the American people a role they wanted to fulfill. He portrayed them as freedom-fighters, adventurers, dedicated workers, and portrayed them as freedom-fighters, adventurers, dedicated workers, and unselfish aspirers to national progress. unselfish aspirers to national progress.

► Kennedy emphasized the audience’s debt to the past and their obligation Kennedy emphasized the audience’s debt to the past and their obligation to the future. Either they will take their place among their ancestors by to the future. Either they will take their place among their ancestors by pursuing “one of the greatest adventures of all time,” or they would be left pursuing “one of the greatest adventures of all time,” or they would be left behind, since space exploration “will go ahead, whether we join in it or behind, since space exploration “will go ahead, whether we join in it or not.”not.”

► This appeal to nationalism referenced the Space Race, and Kennedy This appeal to nationalism referenced the Space Race, and Kennedy emphasized the moral imperative that the United States beat the Soviets emphasized the moral imperative that the United States beat the Soviets to the moon. (see quotes) He alluded to the idea that space exploration to the moon. (see quotes) He alluded to the idea that space exploration could be abused if power fell into the wrong hands.could be abused if power fell into the wrong hands.

► This flattered their ego and was relatively easy to achieve according to This flattered their ego and was relatively easy to achieve according to Kennedy. Kennedy.

► The moon was the ultimate challenge, the ultimate measure of a nation The moon was the ultimate challenge, the ultimate measure of a nation and a people’s worth, and now his audience could see why this was a and a people’s worth, and now his audience could see why this was a worthy cause to strive for.worthy cause to strive for.

► The most referenced line in the passage leaves the audience little choice The most referenced line in the passage leaves the audience little choice but to fall in line with Kennedy’s lofty goals. In fact, he leaves them but to fall in line with Kennedy’s lofty goals. In fact, he leaves them wanting to do just that, because they were worthy of it. wanting to do just that, because they were worthy of it.

The LegacyThe Legacy► ““The Rice University address demonstrated The Rice University address demonstrated

how and why romantic frontier rhetoric must how and why romantic frontier rhetoric must provide a role for the public even in highly provide a role for the public even in highly complex technological endeavors, thereby complex technological endeavors, thereby moving the space program into the public moving the space program into the public realm of knowledge and enabling everyday realm of knowledge and enabling everyday people to feel a part of the project. In other people to feel a part of the project. In other words, Kennedy’s romantic space rhetoric words, Kennedy’s romantic space rhetoric worked because it allowed the people to be worked because it allowed the people to be romanced by it.”romanced by it.”

JFK and the Promotion JFK and the Promotion of Domestic Crisis of Domestic Crisis

April 1962 Steel CrisisApril 1962 Steel Crisis

BackgroundBackground► On April 10, 1962 U.S. Steel delivered a press release to the On April 10, 1962 U.S. Steel delivered a press release to the

media stating that they were raising the price of steel by media stating that they were raising the price of steel by $6.00 per ton. This announcement was immediately $6.00 per ton. This announcement was immediately followed by announcements from other steel companies.followed by announcements from other steel companies.

► Kennedy was furious, not only because the price increase Kennedy was furious, not only because the price increase placed his economic program in jeopardy, but because it placed his economic program in jeopardy, but because it posed a threat to his leadership. posed a threat to his leadership.

► In the days that followed, Kennedy used his position to In the days that followed, Kennedy used his position to escalate a steel price increase into a crisis that threatened escalate a steel price increase into a crisis that threatened the freedom and security of all Americans. the freedom and security of all Americans.

► This is a wonderful example of domestic crisis promotion, This is a wonderful example of domestic crisis promotion, when presidents explicitly advance a claim of crisis or when presidents explicitly advance a claim of crisis or implicitly treat a domestic issue as a crisis through their implicitly treat a domestic issue as a crisis through their public rhetoric. public rhetoric.

► Through his public statements, Kennedy made it known that Through his public statements, Kennedy made it known that his administration would not stand for the steel companies’ his administration would not stand for the steel companies’ behavior, and attempted to seize public opinion and use it behavior, and attempted to seize public opinion and use it as a leverage in appeals to U.S. Steel.as a leverage in appeals to U.S. Steel.

► This article argued that domestic crisis rhetoric has four This article argued that domestic crisis rhetoric has four characteristics: magnification, polarization, value characteristics: magnification, polarization, value dissociation, and symbolic actions, each can be seen in dissociation, and symbolic actions, each can be seen in JFK’s treatment of the steel price increase. JFK’s treatment of the steel price increase.

MagnificationMagnification► This is when a president makes public remarks This is when a president makes public remarks

about an issue in order to attract citizen attention about an issue in order to attract citizen attention and to heighten the issue’s perceived and to heighten the issue’s perceived significance. significance.

► This also involves emphasizing the issue as an This also involves emphasizing the issue as an urgent matter of great public import that poses a urgent matter of great public import that poses a threat to the country as a whole. threat to the country as a whole.

► At a news conference on April 11At a news conference on April 11thth, Kennedy , Kennedy opened by detailing how U.S. steel and others opened by detailing how U.S. steel and others had raised their prices. had raised their prices. News ConferenceNews Conference (see (see quotation)quotation)

► Rather than waiting for the reporters to ask him Rather than waiting for the reporters to ask him about the issue, he framed the dispute as one of about the issue, he framed the dispute as one of great importance to make sure it would dominate great importance to make sure it would dominate the following question and answer period. the following question and answer period.

► He also enlarged the situation by discussing its He also enlarged the situation by discussing its negative consequences that would result such as negative consequences that would result such as increased home and car costs, and greatly increased home and car costs, and greatly increased inflation that would have a harmful increased inflation that would have a harmful effect on the economy. effect on the economy.

PolarizationPolarization► Polarization is when a speaker simplifies an issue by Polarization is when a speaker simplifies an issue by

dichotomizing it and attempting to make the dichotomizing it and attempting to make the audience two highly contrasting groups that audience two highly contrasting groups that represent two sides of an issue. There is no gray represent two sides of an issue. There is no gray area. area.

► This helps to garner the public’s support because This helps to garner the public’s support because the president identifies himself as the people’s the president identifies himself as the people’s advocate against the private interests of a minority. advocate against the private interests of a minority.

► In the news conference, Kennedy clearly defined In the news conference, Kennedy clearly defined U.S. Steel and the other companies as the unjust U.S. Steel and the other companies as the unjust enemy. (see quote)enemy. (see quote)

► He felt this harsh language was necessary to gain He felt this harsh language was necessary to gain citizen support for his position, and in many ways citizen support for his position, and in many ways the polarizing discourse fed on the average the polarizing discourse fed on the average American’s hesitancy towards large corporations by American’s hesitancy towards large corporations by portraying them as a “selfish minority.”portraying them as a “selfish minority.”

Polarization, Cont.Polarization, Cont.► Kennedy further defined himself as the protector Kennedy further defined himself as the protector

of the public interest. (see quote, “In this serious of the public interest. (see quote, “In this serious hour…”)hour…”)

► By saying that the American people would find this By saying that the American people would find this hard to accept, he is basically telling the people hard to accept, he is basically telling the people this is how you should feel, and I feel this way too this is how you should feel, and I feel this way too so I am linked with you.so I am linked with you.

► This transformed the steel price increase from a This transformed the steel price increase from a controversy between the White House and U.S. controversy between the White House and U.S. Steel to one of private versus public interests, Steel to one of private versus public interests, which private interests being pursued at the which private interests being pursued at the expense of the larger public. expense of the larger public.

► This is further emphasized when Kennedy at the This is further emphasized when Kennedy at the end refers to his inaugural address: “Some time end refers to his inaugural address: “Some time ago I asked each American to consider what he ago I asked each American to consider what he would do for his country and I asked the steel would do for his country and I asked the steel companies. In the last 24 hours we had their companies. In the last 24 hours we had their answer.”answer.”

Value DissociationValue Dissociation► In domestic issues, presidents often face the In domestic issues, presidents often face the

problem of pitting two traditional American values problem of pitting two traditional American values against one another. Through value dissociation, against one another. Through value dissociation, presidents pay homage to both values at conflict in presidents pay homage to both values at conflict in a crisis, but still emphasizes one as more important a crisis, but still emphasizes one as more important in the given situation. in the given situation.

► In the 1962 Steel Crisis, the two values clashing In the 1962 Steel Crisis, the two values clashing were freedom and responsibility. were freedom and responsibility.

► The steel companies should have had the freedom The steel companies should have had the freedom to raise their prices in a capitalist society, but JFK to raise their prices in a capitalist society, but JFK argues that civic responsibility should be the argues that civic responsibility should be the dominant value in this situation. (see quote “Price dominant value in this situation. (see quote “Price and wage…”)and wage…”)

► He attempts to resolve the conflict by saying the He attempts to resolve the conflict by saying the two values could and should coexist. He reassures two values could and should coexist. He reassures the people of his belief in the free enterprise the people of his belief in the free enterprise system, but also adds that this freedom is a system, but also adds that this freedom is a privilege not to be abused. privilege not to be abused.

► He also noted multiple times throughout the He also noted multiple times throughout the speech that his administration had not tried to speech that his administration had not tried to force its will upon the steel companies, since they force its will upon the steel companies, since they were free to do what they wanted and “there is a were free to do what they wanted and “there is a very proper limitation to the power of the very proper limitation to the power of the government in this free country.”government in this free country.”

Kennedy Conquers Big SteelKennedy Conquers Big Steel► The strategy worked. The strategy worked. ► On April 13On April 13thth, the Inland Steel Company , the Inland Steel Company

announced, “We do not feel that an announced, “We do not feel that an advance in steel prices at this time would advance in steel prices at this time would be in the national interest.”be in the national interest.”

► All the other steel companies quickly All the other steel companies quickly followed, with U.S. Steel being the last at followed, with U.S. Steel being the last at 5:28 P.M., when the wire services 5:28 P.M., when the wire services announced that “in the light of the announced that “in the light of the competitive developments today, and competitive developments today, and after all other current circumstances,” U.S. after all other current circumstances,” U.S. Steel has rescinded its price increase.”Steel has rescinded its price increase.”

► ““Going to the public” worked for Kennedy, Going to the public” worked for Kennedy, and over 60 percent of the public and over 60 percent of the public supported his position in the dispute. supported his position in the dispute.

Bill ClintonBill Clinton“Don’t Ask, Don’t “Don’t Ask, Don’t

Tell”Tell”

Bill Clinton: Examining Bill Clinton: Examining DiversityDiversity

► Local travel used to court votersLocal travel used to court voters► 3 Safe Characteristics:3 Safe Characteristics:

Based on where they liveBased on where they live OccupationOccupation How they voteHow they vote

► Central to American Politics: Interest GroupsCentral to American Politics: Interest Groups Groups approximate diversity of AmericaGroups approximate diversity of America

►No guarantee of equal access/opportunitiesNo guarantee of equal access/opportunities►Aspects of the group’s interests are sharpened or Aspects of the group’s interests are sharpened or

exagerratedexagerrated

Bill Clinton: Examining Bill Clinton: Examining DiversityDiversity

►““Second Constitution” – President Second Constitution” – President provides leadership in public opinionprovides leadership in public opinion MediateMediate To see & be seenTo see & be seen Gather informationGather information

►Presidential PersuasionPresidential Persuasion Focus policy prioritiesFocus policy priorities Increase support for proposalsIncrease support for proposals

Bill Clinton, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Bill Clinton, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”Tell”

► Persuasion: Presidents influence “at the Persuasion: Presidents influence “at the margins”margins” ““Easy issues” are value driven preferences, Easy issues” are value driven preferences,

harder to swayharder to sway ““Hard issues” are part of the political experience Hard issues” are part of the political experience

of the President, easier to swayof the President, easier to sway► In the 1992 Presidential Campaign, Clinton In the 1992 Presidential Campaign, Clinton

advocated allowing gays in the military (a advocated allowing gays in the military (a decision that falls on the presidential office)decision that falls on the presidential office) Public opinion was that the press covered the Public opinion was that the press covered the

issue too muchissue too much

Clinton, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Clinton, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”Tell”

► Clinton proposed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy as a Clinton proposed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy as a compromisecompromise

► According to Political Research Quarterly:According to Political Research Quarterly: The proposal statistically cost him the support of his opposition The proposal statistically cost him the support of his opposition

overalloverall Persuaded 12% of supporters to support the billPersuaded 12% of supporters to support the bill All groups retained the intensity of their opinionsAll groups retained the intensity of their opinions Women always more supportive of the bill than menWomen always more supportive of the bill than men

► Two possible effects:Two possible effects: Many gays and lesbians “came out” as the public became more Many gays and lesbians “came out” as the public became more

aware of the issueaware of the issue Clinton may have redefined the issue: previously an issue of Clinton may have redefined the issue: previously an issue of

traditionalism, now and issue of equality valuestraditionalism, now and issue of equality values► Conclusions:Conclusions:

Presidential approval can be “invested” for policy supportPresidential approval can be “invested” for policy support

Ronald Reagan and Ronald Reagan and the War on Drugsthe War on Drugs

Address to the Nation: Address to the Nation: Campaign Against Drug AbuseCampaign Against Drug Abuse

► Was broadcasted on September 14, 1986Was broadcasted on September 14, 1986► Regan starts with the progress madeRegan starts with the progress made

ie, with High School Seniors and marijuana ie, with High School Seniors and marijuana usageusage

► Then Nancy spoke as “a mother”Then Nancy spoke as “a mother” Discussed rolls of mothers and young peopleDiscussed rolls of mothers and young people

► Reagan set out 6 goals that would be Reagan set out 6 goals that would be presented to Congress after:presented to Congress after:

1.1. ““Drug-Free Workplace”Drug-Free Workplace”2.2. ““Drug-Free Schools”Drug-Free Schools”3.3. Public protection and available treatmentPublic protection and available treatment4.4. International co-operationInternational co-operation5.5. Strengthening law enforcementStrengthening law enforcement6.6. Expand public awarenessExpand public awareness

The Impact of the “War on The Impact of the “War on Drugs” RhetoricDrugs” Rhetoric

► Study conducted by Study conducted by Whitford and Yates in Whitford and Yates in 20032003

► Affect of President’s Affect of President’s drug rhetoric on the US drug rhetoric on the US Attorney’s and their Attorney’s and their prosecution of drug prosecution of drug related crimesrelated crimes

► Presidential rhetoric Presidential rhetoric goes beyond goes beyond influencing the public influencing the public and Congressand Congress

► Prosecutorial DiscretionProsecutorial Discretion

““Going Public”Going Public”

► The analysis and the examples by numerous The analysis and the examples by numerous Presidents are by no means all inclusive:Presidents are by no means all inclusive: President BushPresident Bush President ClintonPresident Clinton

► And it is not limited to just domestic speaking.And it is not limited to just domestic speaking. The Iraq WarThe Iraq War

► Presidents have success in their domestic Presidents have success in their domestic policies when they use public support and it is policies when they use public support and it is a common occurrence especially for social a common occurrence especially for social issues:issues: Especially during election timeEspecially during election time

ReferencesReferencesBailey, M.; L. Sigelman and C. Wilcox. (2003). Presidential Bailey, M.; L. Sigelman and C. Wilcox. (2003). Presidential

Persuasion on Social Isses: A Two-Way Street?Persuasion on Social Isses: A Two-Way Street? Political Political Research QuarterlyResearch Quarterly, 56(1), 49-58. , 56(1), 49-58.

Beasley, V. B. (2001). Making diversity safe for democracy: Beasley, V. B. (2001). Making diversity safe for democracy: American pluralism and the presidential local address, 1885-American pluralism and the presidential local address, 1885-1992. 1992. Quarterly Journal of Speech, 87Quarterly Journal of Speech, 87, 25-40. , 25-40.

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