Unconventional Partisan and Polarizing Rhetoric

The rhetoric and political communication of the 2016 Presidential Election was arguably unconventional partisan and polarizing—becoming a defining characteristic of the tone and feel of the campaign. In this volume we examine how rhetoric and various political communication strategies influenced and shaped the contours of the election and ultimately its outcome. Witnessing the most diverse electorate in U.S. political history we look at how voters were primed for an anti-establishment/outsider candidate and how various rhetorical and communication appeals were used to strategically engage different groups of voters and at times leave out or even scapegoat others. We also analyze how rhetoric and political communication shaped the debate on key issues such as climate change immigration national security gender and representation. In an age where having a social media presence is an essential campaign tool we examine how Twitter was used by candidates and its impact on the electorate and news coverage. Overall we demonstrate that political rhetoric and communication is impactful bearing electoral consequences and the potential for policy outcomes giving the reader much to consider as we approach the next midterm and general election.