Reagan speaks
Subtitle: the making of an American myth
By: Paul D. Erickson.
Publisher: New York University Press
Published: 1985
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 172
Subjects: Reagan, Ronald -- Oratory; Political oratory -- United States; United States -- Politics and government -- 1981-1989
Description: "Ronald Reagan owes much of his astounding political success to his unusual rhetorical powers. Using modern day folktales and sweeping sagas of grand adventure, Reagan reduces the unarguably complex issues of our times to simple allegories of good and evil ... [Author] exposes the technique used by Reagan and his staff to manipulate their audience. We see how Regan skillfully alters facts, makes history into allegory, creates 'stock' characters who personify good and evil and uses metaphors, myths and anecdotes to convince the public this way is the only just and moral way. He reduces questions about economic planning, constitutional interpretation, and national defense to the most basic emotional level ... critique of the effects of speechifying it is also a fascinating analysis of the persona of the American public. WE see how Reagan carefully listens to what America wants to hear--easy answers, a simple way out, a guarantee America is number one--and creates the character which personifies these qualities. Reagan has thus become America's projected hero--and to vote against his is to vote against America--and this book tells how he skillfully used his rhetorical genius to capture the American electorate."--Jacket.
Notes: Bibliography: p. 167-170.
Includes index.