Unconventional, Partisan, and Polarizing Rhetoric: How the 2016 Election Shaped the Way Candidates Strategize, Engage, and Communicate (Voting, Elections, and the Political Process) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 149855413X ISBN 13: 9781498554138

Publisher: Lexington Books, 2017

Synopsis

The rhetoric and political communication of the 2016 Presidential Election was arguably unconventional, partisan, and polarizing―becoming a defining characteristic of the tone and feel of the campaign. In this volume we examine how rhetoric and various political communication strategies influenced and shaped the contours of the election and ultimately its outcome. Witnessing the most diverse electorate in U.S. political history, we look at how voters were primed for an anti-establishment/outsider candidate and how various rhetorical and communication appeals were used to strategically engage different groups of voters and at times, leave out or even scapegoat others. We also analyze how rhetoric and political communication shaped the debate on key issues such as climate change, immigration, national security, gender, and representation. In an age where having a social media presence is an essential campaign tool, we examine how Twitter was used by candidates and its impact on the electorate and news coverage. Overall, we demonstrate that political rhetoric and communication is impactful, bearing electoral consequences and the potential for policy outcomes, giving the reader much to consider as we approach the next midterm and general election.

About this title

About the Author

Ivy A.M. Cargile (B.A. California State University, Fullerton; M.A. and PhD Claremont Graduate
University) is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at California State University,
Bakersfield. Broadly, her research interests focus on political behavior in the U.S. context. She is
particularly interested in how the intersections of gender, race, and ethnicity affect the electoral
behavior of both political elites, and the electorate at large. Specifically, she is interested in how
diverse political participants perceive a Latina candidate who represents the intersection of
gender, and ethnicity. Likewise, she explores how both Latina political actors, and other female
politicians of color influence policy outcomes, and represent their constituents. She also focuses
some of her research on the public opinion of Latina/o/x voters as a way to develop a better
understanding about how policy issues such as immigration, and women's rights affect the
participation of this community. Her work has appeared in Political Research Quarterly, as well
as in multiple books on the topics of Latina politicians, Latina/o/x voters, and immigration policy.

Edition details

• Publisher: Lexington Books
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 149855413X
• ISBN 13: 9781498554138
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 238
• Editor: Kraybill Jeanine E.