Research conducted by Lyn Ragsdale, Dean of Social Sciences at Rice University, shows that “the occurrence of a presidential speech has a significant, positive effect, relative to other variables, on levels of president’s public support” (Ragsdale 1984, 980). In addition, she maintains, “in making speeches, presidents are able to influence public opinion positively. Republican and Democratic presidents alike improve their popularity by addressing the nation” (Ragsdale 1984, 982). In his book Going Public: New Strategies of Presidential Leadership, Samuel Kernell argues that presidents do have the ability to influence public opinion, as long as they are able to persuade American citizens (Kernell 2007). However, Kernell notes that in order
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According to political scientist George Edwards, “empirical studies show that presidential speeches rarely shift public opinion significantly…nationally televised presidential addresses typically had little or no impact on presidential approval ratings” (Ellis 2015, 142). In his book The Strategic President: Persuasion and Opportunity in Presidential Leadership, Edwards raises questions about the lack of evidence pertaining to presidential persuasion. He argues that despite popular belief, presidents do not have the power to persuade, rather they act as facilitators in order to drive their political agendas. (Edwards …show more content…
Based off of prior knowledge, it was evident that not all presidents have been successful in their attempts to influence public opinion. While some presidents may be great communicators, most are simply facilitators of change (Edwards 2009), and it is difficult for a single speech to have a considerable impact on public opinion. However, because of President Reagan’s influential charisma and political charm—both of which are still discussed nearly three decades after his presidency, I reasoned that his speeches and public addresses would be more likely to increase his
According to political scientist George Edwards, “empirical studies show that presidential speeches rarely shift public opinion significantly…nationally televised presidential addresses typically had little or no impact on presidential approval ratings” (Ellis 2015, 142). In his book The Strategic President: Persuasion and Opportunity in Presidential Leadership, Edwards raises questions about the lack of evidence pertaining to presidential persuasion. He argues that despite popular belief, presidents do not have the power to persuade, rather they act as facilitators in order to drive their political agendas. (Edwards …show more content…
Based off of prior knowledge, it was evident that not all presidents have been successful in their attempts to influence public opinion. While some presidents may be great communicators, most are simply facilitators of change (Edwards 2009), and it is difficult for a single speech to have a considerable impact on public opinion. However, because of President Reagan’s influential charisma and political charm—both of which are still discussed nearly three decades after his presidency, I reasoned that his speeches and public addresses would be more likely to increase his