Persuasive Attacks on Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Primary

Persuasive Attacks on Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Primary investigates the nature of persuasive attacks on Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential primary campaign. It begins by extending the Theory of Persuasive Attack to include attacks on character as well as attacks on actions. William L. Benoit & Mark J. Glantz use topical analysis to understand humor (late night television jokes; video from SNL, Colbert, and Oliver; articles in The Onion, and political cartoons) and Republican “establishment” attacks from Mitt Romney and the National Review. Quantitative content analysis examines attacks in primary debates and primary TV spots. The book concludes with criticisms found on social media platforms and TV talk shows.

“Benoit and Glantz provide a detailed and thoroughly supported analysis that both clarifies and expands persuasive attack as a theoretical framework, while providing critical insight into Donald Trump's durability as a presidential candidate.”

Benoit and Glantz provide a detailed and thoroughly supported analysis that both clarifies and expands persuasive attack as a theoretical framework, while providing critical insight into Donald Trump’s durability as a presidential candidate. -- Timothy L. Sellnow, University of Central Florida
This insightful and timely analysis by Benoit and Glantz demonstrates the importance of rhetorical criticism in contemporary political processes. Their exploration of the range of attacks associated with Mr. Trump expands our understanding of this genre of rhetoric and establishes new directions for inquiry. Benoit and Glantz bring an innovative, contemporary and engaging lens to their analysis. -- Matthew W. Seeger, Wayne State University
While seemingly esoteric, uncovering the nature and function of attacks writ large from a field of candidates directed at one particular candidate helps us understand presidential elections all the better. This volume reveals how a cadre of seasoned politicians attempted, unsuccessfully, to reduce voter preference for a surging yet unorthodox candidate. As the 2016 election will be studied broadly, this book provides a much-needed scholarly explanation of the first part of the season and process. -- Joseph R. Blaney, Illinois State University

William L. Benoit is professor of communication studies at Ohio University.Mark J. Glantz is assistant professor of communication & media studies at St. Norbert College.

Persuasive Attacks on Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Primary investigates the nature of persuasive attacks on Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential primary campaign. It begins by extending the Theory of Persuasive Attack to include attacks on character as well as attacks on actions. William L. Benoit & Mark J. Glantz use topical analysis to understand humor (late night television jokes; video from SNL, Colbert, and Oliver; articles in The Onion, and political cartoons) and Republican "establishment" attacks from Mitt Romney and the National Review. Quantitative content analysis examines attacks in primary debates and primary TV spots. The book concludes with criticisms found on social media platforms and TV talk shows.

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