Presidential Communication

Overview

• Focused on Unit 2 of AP Government curriculum, specifically on presidential communication.
• Objective: Explain how communication technology has changed the president's relationship with the national constituency and other branches.
• The president holds a unique position in national attention compared to other politicians.

Presidential Power of Persuasion

• President’s informal power includes persuasion.
• Cannot pass laws independently; relies on Congress for legislation.
• Key strategy: Communication with the nation and other government branches.

The Bully Pulpit

• Term coined by Teddy Roosevelt; "bully" meaning "excellent."
• Presidency as a platform for advocating policy agenda.
• Significant influence as the nation listens to the president.

State of the Union Address

• Constitutionally required communication from the president.
• Initially delivered in person by George Washington.
• Woodrow Wilson reintroduced in-person addresses in the early 20th century.

Evolution of Presidential Communication

Print Media

• Early State of the Union addresses published in newspapers.
• Speeches filtered through newspaper journalists.

Radio

• Major advancement with Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency in the 1930s.
• Fireside Chats: Direct communication with the public during economic crisis.
• Effective in gaining public support for New Deal legislation.

Television

• Added visual element to presidential communication.
• Example: 1960 debates where TV viewers favored Kennedy over Nixon.
• Presidents began hosting televised press conferences.

Social Media

• Removed third-party filters on communication.
• Barack Obama utilized social media effectively for election and policy communication.
• Donald Trump extensively used Twitter, averaging 35 tweets per day by his fourth year.
• Highlighted limits of social media as Twitter banned Trump in 2021 due to policy violations.

Conclusion

• Communication technology has continuously transformed the president's ability to connect with citizens and influence policy.
• The bully pulpit remains a critical tool for presidential persuasion and agenda setting.