The Podium, the Pulpit, and the Republicans: How Presidential Candidates Use Religious Language in American Political Debate

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In this book, the presidential debates of 2000, 2004, and 2008 are analyzed in terms of linguistics, rhetoric, and religious context to offer a unique perspective on the styles, beliefs, and strategies of the two major parties and their candidates. In The Podium, the Pulpit, and the Republicans: How Presidential Candidates Use Religious Language in American Political Debate, a veteran minister analyzes the religious metaphors Republicans use at the podium and alleges that the party deliberately employs blaming tactics, fear metaphors, and coded references to apocalyptic judgment to sway undecided voters. Over the past 40 years, Frederick Stecker charges, the Republican Party has created fear for political expediency. Stecker's book traces the development of the Republican rhetoric of polarization and applies the linguistics-based "nation-as-a-family" political typology of George Lakoff to an analysis of the presidential debates of 2000, 2004, and 2008. He demonstrates how Republican candidates select their language and metaphors to signal adherence to rigid belief systems and simple, black-and-white choices in domestic and foreign policy.

Reviews

Stecker's book provides illuminating analytical insights, fascinating textual examples, and even some interesting personal anecdotes. * Presidential Studies Quarterly *
This challenging book takes a unique look at political discourse in the US since the early 1970s. . . . Students of religion and politics as well as readers interested in political discourse will find this book useful. * Choice *
Christian evangelical identification has been (and continues to be) a particular staple within the Republican party. That's why The Podium, the Pulpit, and the Republicans: How Presidential Candidates Use Religious Language in American Political Debate by Episcopal minister Frederick Stecker is so timely and such a valued contribution to the growing body of literature concerning the impact and influence of religion upon American politics, politicians, and political movements. . . . The Podium, The Pulpit, And The Republicans is informed, informative, thoughtful, thought-provoking, and directly relevant to today's national presidential politics, making it a highly recommended addition for academic and community library reference collections, as well as supplemental reading lists for American Political Science curriculums. * Midwest Book Review *

Author Bio

Frederick Stecker is a supply priest in the Episcopal Dioceses of Vermont and New Hampshire and was the Rector of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in New London, NH, for 23 years.