The Primary Decision
A Functional Analysis of Debates in Presidential Primaries
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Benoit and his colleagues apply the functional theory of political campaign discourse to 25 presidential primary debates beginning with the 1948 American presidential primary campaign. They conclude with the 2000 presidential primaries.
They identify the functions, topics, and targets of attacks, and the results are compared with research on primary TV spots and with general debates. An important resource for scholars and students of American presidential and party elections and political communications.
P.M. Pier
P. M. PIER is a lecturer at Wartburg College In addition to Campaign '96: A Functional Analysis of Acclaiming, Attaching, and Defending, with William L. Benoit and Joseph R. Blaney (Praeger, 1998), she has published in various scholarly journals.
LeAnn M. Brazeal
LeANN M. BRAZEAL is with the Department of Communication at the University of Missouri. She has published in Argumentation and Advocacy.
John P McHale
JOHN P. McHALE is with the Department of Communication at the University of Missouri. He has published in Communication Quarterly and Critical Studies in Media Communication.
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Andrew Klyukovski
ANDREW KLYUKOVSKI is Assistant Professor at Truman State University. He has published in Critical Studies in Media Communication.
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David Airne
DAVID AIRNE is with the Department of Communication at the University of Missouri./e He has published in Critical Studies in Media Communication.
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