The Evolutionary Rhetorical Presidency: Tracing the Changes in Presidential Address and Power

Abstract

This book is an evolutionary examination of the rhetoric of the President of the United States, from George Washington to George W. Bush. It provides a close analysis of the history and content of inaugural addresses, State of the Union addresses, presidential proclamations, and executive orders in order to trace the changes in their use and impact from their origin to the present day. Content analysis of these forms of executive address are combined with case studies and illustrations to provide a complete look at the way that - contrary to the widely held ascription to a clear traditional ve