Here I discuss political and social rhetoric.
Why?
Because it’s my site.
Rhetoric (/ˈrɛtərɪk/) is the art of persuasion, which along with grammar and logic (or dialectic – see Martianus Capella) is one of the three ancient arts of discourse. Rhetoric aims to study the techniques writers or speakers utilize to inform, persuade, or motivate particular audiences in specific situations
There is a house in New Orleans…
Watch the Interview series if you want a Rice adaptation that makes a solid effort. Listen to the audio version of Witching Hour narrated by Kate Reading – she is good – if you want an engaging performance of that book. AMC’s Mayfair Witches is a collection of missed opportunities and a waste of time.
God anointed Saul the Fool
Let us say God has anointed Trump this way. So, what of it? God anointed King Saul as well – and if Trump has a biblical analog, it will be King Saul. Saul the anointed, the Saul who was a bad king, the Saul who disobeyed and angered God. Saul the fool.
Always be Closing
Understanding Trump’s communication and the basic function of his rhetorical appeal through speech codes is helpful. Trump depicted a nation where things are bad and going to get worse with the use of restricted code. That is unless he assumed control. Trump did this by avoiding standard political rhetorical flourishes. Trump’s speech hits many of…
Book of (Political) Lamentations
On September 1, 2022, President Joe Biden delivered a red-tinted Jeremiad. He gave the speech from the closest thing American politics permit to secular-sacred ground. That is Independence Hall in Philadelphia (CSPAN, 2022). The reaction to the speech has obscured the speech itself. But that is the standard operating procedure for American political discourse.