Abstract
The clash component of a presidential debate sets it apart from other types of campaign messages because the candidates are faced with a potential for “imminent rebuttal” not found in other types of messages, such as television spots or stump speeches. This study is a rhetorical analysis of the 1960 and 2000 presidential debates and attempts to identify the specific points of stasis (clash) where two arguments meet. These points of stasis are labeled in the classic rhetorical theory literature as conjectural, qualitative, definitional, and translative. The study tests the application of these categories as a precursor to future research employing content analytic methods.
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Recommended Citation
Stein, Kevin
(2004)
"Points of Stasis in the 1960 and 2000 Presidential Debates,"
Speaker & Gavel: Vol. 41:
Iss.
1, Article 5.
Available at:
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/speaker-gavel/vol41/iss1/5
Included in
American Politics Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons, Speech and Rhetorical Studies Commons