-  Faculty Experts   -  News by Topic   -  News by School Search News & Info WUSTL in the News   - Powered by Google WUSTL Home Public Affairs Home University News Medical News Sports News Radio Service Business, Law & Econ Culture & Living Science & Technology Contact Information TV/Radio Studio Visiting Our Campuses Campus Images Sports photography Commercial Filming    and Photography Commercial Use of    Names and Symbols Domain Name policy Record (newspaper) Campus Calendars WUSTL News Summary Publications Online Facts, Guides & Maps		University News Contact: Gerry Everding - (314) 935-6375 gerry_everding@aismail.wustl.edu Bush's speech must emphasize reason more than emotion [St. Louis, MO., 1-27-03] President George W. Bush has shown the American people what's in his heart, but the success of his Jan. 28 State of the Union address will hinge on his ability to offer well-reasoned arguments for what's in his head, according to Wayne Fields, an expert on political rhetoric at Washington University in St. Louis. Wayne Fields, Ph.D. Office: (314) 935-5216 Direct: (314) 935-4400 wdfields@artsci.wustl.edu Fields, an expert on political rhetoric, can discuss presidential speeches, campaign rhetoric and debates. His 1996 book, "Union of Words: A History of Presidential Eloquence," includes chapters on various forms of presidential speech: State of the Union, candidacy announcement, nomination acceptance, call for war or peace and farewell addresses. The book includes two chapters on the history of inaugural speeches. "This year's State of the Union message represents a slightly different challenge for the President than his previous speeches," Fields said. "Early in his rhetorical career the question for Americans seemed to be primarily a matter of his ability; would he show himself to be articulate and up to the job. In his first message (he preferred it not be called a state of the union message), expectations were rather low and he got good marks for proving himself better than expected." Fields, the Lynne Cooper Harvey Distinguished Chair in English and Director of American Culture Studies in Arts & Sciences at Washington University, has been a frequent commentator on presidential speechmaking since 1996 when he published a book examining 200 years of presidential rhetoric. Titled "Union of Words: A History of Presidential Eloquence" (The Free Press, Simon & Schuster, New York), the book provides an anecdote-rich history of presidential speech from the nation's founding to the Clinton campaign, and includes a chapter specifically on State of the Union addresses. Fields describes Bush as "a president who prefers to be judged by his heart rather than his head" and he suggests that this approach has thus far worked fairly well for Bush. "Bush has proven effective at conveying personal emotion in a way that reflects much of the feeling held by his countrymen," Fields said. "But this time around, with the threat of war and a troubled economy, it his head that people want to hear from. "Americans need an understandable account of our economic woes and a credible explanation of how the President's proposals will make things better for everyone. The administration's call for war against Iraq also requires a convincing explanation of just how such an operation can be carried out to American advantage, what it will cost, and what it's aftermath will be. Since Iraq has proven hard to link to 9/11, more must be said about how this effort will diminish the threat of terrorism. "In brief, this time the President needs to emphasize reason more than emotion if he is to win national support and not just national sympathy." Editor's Note: Prof. Fields will be available for interview both before and after the State of the Union address now scheduled for the evening of Jan. 28. Media seeking to arrange interviews in advance, may contact his office at 314-935-5216 during regular business hours. On the night of the State of the Union address, he may be reachable at his direct line at (314) 935-4400.
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