The Primary Decision: A Functional Analysis of Debates in Presidential Primaries [Hardcover]

Benoit and his colleagues apply the functional theory of political campaign discourse to 25 presidential primary debates beginning with the 1948 American presidential primary campaign. They conclude with the 2000 presidential primaries.

They identify the functions, topics, and targets of attacks, and the results are compared with research on primary TV spots and with general debates. An important resource for scholars and students of American presidential and party elections and political communications.

WILLIAM L. BENOIT is Professor of Communication at the University of Missouri. Benoit has published extensively in political communication, includingThe Clinton Scandals and the Politics of Image Restoration, with Joseph R. Blaney (Praeger, 2001).

P. M. PIER is a lecturer at Wartburg College In addition toCampaign '96: A Functional Analysis of Acclaiming, Attaching, and Defending, with William L. Benoit and Joseph R. Blaney (Praeger, 1998), she has published in various scholarly journals.

LeANN M. BRAZEAL is with the Department of Communication at the University of Missouri./e She has published inArgumentation and Advocacy.

JOHN P. McHALE is with the Department of Communication at the University of Missouri./e He has published inCommunication QuarterlyandCritical Studies in Media Communication.

ANDREW KLYUKOVSKI is Assistant Professor at Truman State University./e He has published inCritical Studies in Media Communication.

DAVID AIRNE is with the Department of Communication at the University of Missouri./e He has published inCritical Studies in Media Communication.

Preface
Introduction
Method and Procedures: Analyzing Acclaims, Attacks, and Defenses
Early Primary Debates: 1948, 1960, 1968, 1972, 1980
Republican Primary Debates: I Paid for This Microphone!
1984 Democratic Primary Debates: Morning Again in America
1988 Primary Debates: What Aftl™