2024 Spring Research Symposium

Mastering the Art of Persuasion: Analyzing Lyndon B. Johnson's Legislative Speechcraft and Strategic Communication Tactics

During Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency, pivotal pieces of social legislation—the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Voting Rights Act of 1965—were enacted as part of his Great Society initiative. This project delves into Johnson's unique communication strategies to champion these bills in Congress. Utilizing textual analysis of presidential speeches and internal communications, it scrutinizes the impact of rhetoric on policy decisions. Johnson heavily promoted the Economic Opportunity Act through numerous public speeches, while offering fewer addresses on the more contentious Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts. This difference stemmed from racial tensions and political complexities. The Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts were characterized by behind-the-scenes negotiations, hinting at a calculated strategy to handle controversy. This study highlights the role of presidential rhetoric in shaping legislative processes and provides insights into navigating contentious policy debates effectively.

PRESENTED BY
College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant
Annenberg 2024
Advised By
David Eisenhower
Director, Institute for Public Service & Lecturer, Annenberg Undergraduate Program
Eran Ben-Porath, PhD.
Lecturer, Annenberg Undergraduate Program
PRESENTED BY
College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant
Annenberg 2024
Advised By
David Eisenhower
Director, Institute for Public Service & Lecturer, Annenberg Undergraduate Program
Eran Ben-Porath, PhD.
Lecturer, Annenberg Undergraduate Program

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