Description
Book SynopsisThe Rhetoric of the American Political Party Conventions, 1948-2016 establishes the rhetorical goals of the thirty-six political party conventions that have taken place since 1948 against the backdrop of the fundamental changes that television brought to the conventions. Theodore F. Sheckels analyzes these conventions to determine whether the gatherings met or failed to meet those goals, including addressing civil rights, unifying divergent wings of the party, celebrating the triumph of a single wing, overcoming dissent inside and outside the meeting hall, overcomingor capitalizing onscandal, reconstituting the party after defeats, arguing for change, and advocating for inclusion. Sheckels observes that although speeches are the primary vehicle through which attendees strive to reach these goals, the crucial addresses are not always by the principal players; often, events other than speeches such as negotiations, demonstrations, and media spin can be just as consequential. Sheckels
Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter One – Political Party Conventions: History and Criticism
Chapter Two – 1948
Chapter Three – 1952
Chapter Four – 1956
Chapter Five – 1960
Chapter Six – 1964
Chapter Seven – 1968
Chapter Eight – 1972
Chapter Nine – 1976
Chapter Ten – 1980
Chapter Eleven – 1984
Chapter Twelve – 1988
Chapter Thirteen—1992
Chapter Fourteen—1996
Chapter Fifteen – 2000
Chapter Sixteen – 2004
Chapter Seventeen – 2008
Chapter Eighteen – 2012
Chapter Nineteen – 2016
Chapter Twenty -- Conclusions
Bibliography
About the Author
