Presidential Communication

Objective

• Explain how communication technology has changed the president's relationship with the national constituency and other branches.

Presidential Advantage

• Unique attention of the nation.
• Informal power of persuasion to enact policy agenda.
• "Bully pulpit" term coined by Teddy Roosevelt:
  • "Bully" means excellent, not coercive.
  • Presidency as a platform to influence.

Constitutionally Required Communication

• State of the Union Address:
  • Required from time to time to recommend measures to Congress.
  • George Washington delivered in person; precedent revisited by Woodrow Wilson.

Evolution of Presidential Communication

1. Newspapers

   • Early presidential speeches published in newspapers.
   • Speeches filtered through journalists.

2. Radio

   • Significant leap during Franklin Roosevelt's presidency.
   • Fireside chats during the 1930s:
     • Explained policies in common language.
     • Aimed to garner public support for the New Deal.

3. Television

   • Added visual element to presidential speeches.
   • Example: Kennedy vs. Nixon debates highlighted the importance of appearance.
   • Kennedy utilized televised press conferences.

4. Social Media

   • Removed third-party mediators.
   • Barack Obama utilized social media for campaigns and policy communication.
   • Donald Trump's extensive use:
     • Over 26,000 tweets during presidency.
     • Average of up to 35 tweets per day.
     • Used platform to promote agenda and criticize opponents.
     • Account suspension in 2021 due to Capitol insurrection.

Conclusion

• Communication technologies have continually enhanced the president's ability to communicate directly with the populace and influence public opinion.
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