Using rhetoric to dance around issues or creatively frame an answer is not a tool used only by today's presidential candidates. Andrews, a professor in IU's Department of Communication and Culture, has studied presidential rhetoric from the 19th century and can draw parallels between the ornate grammar used by today's politicians and that of their predecessors. He also can give historical perspectives about the rhetorical development of nationalism and patriotism. Research interests include African American public discourse, orality and intercultural communication. During each of the presidential debates, Calloway-Thomas will be facilitating a discussion by a diverse group of IU students and other local citizens that is part of Debate Watch 2000, sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates.
Media are welcome to attend and observe the sessions and talk to participants.
The participants' discussion comments will be provided to the commission immediately after each debate and will be used in research assessing the value of the present debate format. Research interests are political campaigning, media coverage of campaigns, financing of political campaigns, and interest group activity as related to politics. Expert on the effects of U.S. foreign policy on U.S. domestic society, economy and politics. Frequently serves as a political commentator for state and local television. Research interests are the U.S. national government, the legislative process and the presidency, individual political behavior, public opinion and voting behavior.