Mad Men

Presidential elections afford us a great opportunity to examine the use of rhetoric in the American public sphere. Political ads are especially fun to analyze. I'm going to provide you with two ads from this season's election and one from a previous one. Comment on the rhetorical techniques used; the audience for the ads; the audio/visual elements; the message the ad tries to convey. How effective do you think the ads are? Think in terms of how supporters or opponents would view the ads. What is really annoying to you might be inspirational to someone with differing political views!

I'm sure most of you need no encouragement, but feel free to identify what you consider rhetorical weaknesses in these ads.

1. Bernie Sanders: America

2. Donald Trump

 

 3. Barack Obama (2008) Yes We Can