The political rhetoric of James Earl (Jimmy) Carter, Jr.

This thesis analyzes the political rhetoric of President James Earl (Jimmy) Carter, Jr. from the standpoint of the relationship between the individual and his speaking. It emphasizes Carter's political image as revealed by his speaking on foreign policy, domestic issues, and crisis problems. Chapter One develops a selective biographical sketch of the President that includes a discussion of childhood influences, education and career training, religion, and instruction and experience in communication. Chapter Two provides an examination of the political image of Carter with an emphasis on his personal ethos. The chapter investigates the concept of ethos and presents an inspection of the religion of President Carter. The analyses provide insight into the possible effect that Carter's moral and religious beliefs have had on his Presidency. The Carter persona in the 1976 election is reviewed. In addition, a recount of recent occurrences in Iran and Afghanistan is provided, with an examination of their effect on the Carter campaign in the early portions of the 1980 election. Chapter Three presents an investigation of Carter's political speechwriting practices and a rhetorical analysis of his political rhetoric in 1979-1980. The three speeches present examples of his domestic policy, foreign policy, and crisis rhetoric. His messages are entitled: "Energy Problems: The Erosion of Confidence"; "The Address Before The Knesset"; and "The President's News Conference of November 28, 1979: Situation In Iran." The analyses provide insights into the production, organization, support, appeals, and wording of his speeches. The examination of Carter's address and press conference about the crisis in Iran includes an inspection of a question and answer period following the original address. The conclusion makes some evaluations of the political rhetoric and image of Carter and suggests fields for additional study.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

1980

Author dc:creator

• Himes, Kenneth Gene.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Capp, Glenn R., 1910-1998.

• Carter, Jimmy, 1924-
• Political oratory -- United States.
• Rhetoric -- Political aspects -- United States.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/14256

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/14256