Presidential Communication and Technology

Introduction

• Focus: How communication technology has changed the president's relationship with the national constituency and other branches.
• Presidents have a unique advantage: the attention of the nation.
• Presidential persuasion is key to enacting policy, as presidents can't pass laws on their own.

The Bully Pulpit

• Coined by Teddy Roosevelt; "bully" means excellent, not coercive.
• The presidency is a platform (like a preacher's pulpit) for communication.
• The nation listens when the president speaks.

Constitutional Communication

• State of the Union Address: The only constitutionally required communication.
  • Used to recommend measures to Congress.
  • George Washington delivered it in person; the tradition was revived by Woodrow Wilson.

Evolution of Presidential Communication

• Newspapers: Early speeches were published in newspapers.

Radio

• Major leap during Franklin Roosevelt's presidency.
• Fireside Chats: FDR used radio to communicate directly with Americans.
  • Explained policies like the New Deal and banking crisis solutions.
  • Resulted in significant legislative success.

Television

• Added a visual element to presidential communication.
• Presidential debates highlighted the importance of appearance (e.g., Nixon vs. Kennedy debates).

Social Media

• Transformed communication by removing third-party filters.
• Barack Obama: Mastered social media for election and policy communication.
• Donald Trump: Utilized Twitter extensively.
  • Averaged almost 35 tweets per day in his fourth year.
  • Used to praise allies, attack enemies, promote policies.
  • Was banned by Twitter for inciting an insurrection, showing limits of social media.

Conclusion

• Technological advances have continually enhanced the president's ability to communicate directly with the public.
• Each new medium—radio, TV, social media—has expanded the reach and immediacy of presidential communications.