First Name:
Jeffrey
Last Name:
Koehler
Major Department:
Communication-Journalism
Thesis Director:
Monica Pombo
Date of Thesis:
Dec 2008
The objective of this thesis was to utilize discourse analysis to examine the rhetoric and presentations of conservative identity in Sarah Palin's 2008 speech at the Republican National Convention, in order to determine whether or not Palin represented a new direction for the Republican Party. The thesis was also intended to add to the overall body of academic research that will be written about the 2008 election, and Palin's role in the election. The speech was examined in considerable depth, and in each instance that the signature rhetorical device was used, the technique of creating "us-versus-them" divisions with language, it was noted and analyzed in detail. Similarly, Palin's affirmations of conservative identity were analyzed in detail each time they appeared. The analysis showed that Palin devoted the vast majority of her speech to creating "us-versus-them" divisions, and reaffirming both her identity as a conservative and that of McCain to the audience. Palin is shown to have used the traditional rhetoric of conservative politicians, and to have presented the traditional conservative identity of these politicians as well. The analysis indicates Palin is not a new direction for the Republican Party, but rather a new face presenting traditional conservative philosophy and rhetoric. Further opportunities for research are discussed at the conclusion of the thesis.