President Bush’s final State of the Union address is likely to be more bipartisan in tone than his previous speeches before Congress, says Vanderbilt University political rhetoric expert Vanessa Beasley.
“Partisanship is in President Bush’s roots but I expect him to show less of it in his rhetoric than he might typically do in this speech,” said Beasley, whose expertise includes the rhetoric of American presidents, political rhetoric on immigration, and media and politics. “Bush now needs Congress more than it needs him, particularly in areas such as efforts to boost the economy and head off a recession.”
Beasley anticipates that the 43rd president will refer back to some of his administration’s accomplishments, but there will be just as much emphasis on the work that remains to be done this year. Of particular interest for Beasley will be how he discusses progress made in Iraq and U.S.-Iranian relations.
“Bush will not take sides in the battle for the Republican presidential nomination, but he could emphasize the need to elect a leader who cares about the priorities that he lays out tonight for the American voters.”
To arrange an interview with Beasley, an associate professor of communication studies, call the News Service at 615-322-2706 or email Vanessa.b.beasley@vanderbilt.edu.
Media Contact: Ann Marie Deer Owens, (615) 322-NEWS
annmarie.owens@vanderbilt.edu