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Political conventions

Democrats' Convention Speeches: A Study in Implicit Slamming

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the Democratic National Convention approaches its end, Democrats have been accused of breaking their pledge to run an upbeat and positive campaign. Despite attempts to emphasize the hopeful and optimistic tone of their convention, speakers have often employed implicit slamming strategies, veiled invective, and subtle attacks on President Bush's character. This approach has been met with criticism from the Republican campaign, who argue that it undermines the party's promise to accentuate the positive.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senators Edward M. Kennedy, John Edwards, and John Kerry have all employed implicit slamming strategies in their speeches, using phrases like "honest and wise" men to imply that President Bush is not.
  • The average time of Democratic speeches has been 1,002.36 seconds, with 464.99 seconds spent attacking President Bush or his policies, and 232.446 seconds praising John Kerry.
  • The Democrats' speeches have averaged 304.924 seconds of filler, a significant increase from previous conventions.
  • The party's negative tone has been noticed by the Republican campaign, who have been tracking the use of specific words and phrases in Democratic speeches.
  • Speakers like Al Gore, Bill Clinton, and John Edwards have emphasized the importance of health care, the economy, and jobs in their speeches, while also referencing the threat of terrorism and the war in Iraq.
  • The use of specific words and phrases in Democratic speeches has been tracked, with words like "hope," "faith," and "values" appearing frequently.
  • The party's emphasis on positivity has been called into question by the Republican campaign, who argue that it is not entirely consistent with the negative tone of many speeches.

Statistics:

  • Average time of Democratic speeches: 1,002.36 seconds
  • Average time spent attacking President Bush or his policies: 464.99 seconds
  • Average time spent praising John Kerry: 232.446 seconds
  • Average time spent on filler: 304.924 seconds
  • Most frequently used words in Democratic speeches:

+ Hope: 98 times

+ Faith: 40 times

+ Bush: 19 times

+ Health care: 161 times

+ Economy: 45 times

+ Hussein: 2 times

Sources:

  • New York Times, "Democrats' Convention Speeches: A Study in Implicit Slamming"
  • Federal News Service, transcripts of speeches
  • Republican National Campaign, tracking of Democratic speeches

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