Presidential rhetoric has long been a formula used by this nation's leaders. The purpose of this discussion is to analyze the history of presidential rhetoric and how the rhetoric used in the early days of the republic relate to the manner in which presidential rhetoric has been used in more recent times. The research will also seek to determine whether presidential rhetoric is used to sway opinions, to manipulate the political system or both. The discussion will also determine if presidents use rhetoric to set agendas. Let us begin our discussion by defining rhetoric in general and presidential rhetoric in particular.

             Presidential Rhetoric.

             Rhetoric is an ancient aspect of oration. In fact there are three types of rhetoric that have been historically recognized. These types include the following "(a) deliberative-to persuade an audience (such as a legislature) to approve or disapprove a matter of public policy; (b) forensic-to achieve (as in a trial) condemnation or approval for a person's actions; (c) epideictic-"display rhetoric" used on ceremonial occasions (Oratory 2004)." For the purposes of this discussion we will concentrate on the first type of rhetoric-deliberative. .

             Deliberative rhetoric is designed specifically to persuade listeners that what is being said is true. In the case of presidential rhetoric leaders throughout history have consistently utilized deliberative rhetoric to get into office, press their agendas and shape public opinion. In fact Abraham Lincoln believed that "Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment nothing can fail, without it nothing can succeed (Abraham Lincoln; Denton and Hahn 1986; 3)." Indeed many presidents have taken this to heart. A book entitled Presidential Communication: Description and Analysis asserts that presidential communication is vitally important to the success or failure of a president and his administration.