Obama?s Message: An Examination of Political Rhetoric

Barack Obama’s political rhetoric has been the subject of much discussion. In 2004, the nation was introduced to the formidable rhetorical skills of the then Senator Obama with his delivery of the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. The skills on display then only grew and developed throughout the years leading to his successful presidential campaign of 2008. This book presents an examination of the political rhetoric of Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. Rhetorical devices from some of his most memorable speeches of that campaign are presented and discussed. This book addresses the various rhetorical devices that Obama uses so expertly: The use of personal narrative, stories, repetition, metaphors, clichés, questions and humor. It is the various combinations of these devices that make reading or hearing an Obama speech such a rhetorical pleasure.

Orly Kayam PhDDr. Kayam is an expert in rhetoric and communication. She completed her doctoral studies in Hebrew and Semitic languages at Bar-Ilan University in 2000 with distinction, and is currently a lecturer and researcher in the field of rhetoric and has published books and articles in international journals.