Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Mitt Romney In Denver: “Obamacare” As Ideological Enthymeme, Justin Ward Kirk
Mitt Romney In Denver: “Obamacare” As Ideological Enthymeme, Justin Ward Kirk
Department of Communication Studies: Faculty Publications
This paper argues that surface-level analysis of political argument fails to explain the effectiveness of ideological enthymemes, particularly within the context of presidential debates. This paper uses the first presidential debate of the 2012 election as a case study for the use of “Obamacare” as an ideological enthymeme. The choice of a terminological system limits and shapes the argumentative choices afforded the candidate. Presidential debates provide a unique context within which to examine the interaction of ideological constraints and argument due to their relatively committed and ideologically homogenous audiences.