Barack Obama – the new charismatic political actor - a discourse analysis

Authors

  • Ada-Maria Țîrlea Faculty of History and Philosophy,”Babeș-Bolyai” University, Cluj-Napoca, Mihail Kogalniceanu Str., no.1, Cluj-Napoca

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs20162.247.261

Keywords:

Barack Obama, political discourse, critical discourse analysis, charisma, leader

Abstract

The American president, Barack Obama, is considered to be one of the most charismatic figures of the 21st century. His speeches are the best asset through which he emphasizes this quality. Although, he hasn’t always been considered to be a successful politician, he made his entrance on the political arena in 2004, when he delivered one of his best speeches.

The aim of this paper is to reveal the most important elements of a political discourse that can contribute to creating a good image of a political actor. Using the critical discourse analysis method, we are trying to see if there is a connection between a good, coherent discourse strategy and the charisma of the American leader. The sample will include his 2004 speech, delivered at the Democrats’ Convention, the speech that put him in the eyes of the media as a future American leader

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Author Biography

Ada-Maria Țîrlea, Faculty of History and Philosophy,”Babeș-Bolyai” University, Cluj-Napoca, Mihail Kogalniceanu Str., no.1, Cluj-Napoca

Associate assistant within the Department of Communication, Public Relations and Advertising in the Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca. She focuses her research on the political discourse analysis and campaign strategies. Her publications concern the field of political communication, political marketing and different other themes regarding political sciences, and her PhD thesis tackles the liberal influences of John Stuart Mill on President Obama’s discourse.

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Published

2016-09-10

How to Cite

Țîrlea, A.-M. (2016). Barack Obama – the new charismatic political actor - a discourse analysis. Journal of Education Culture and Society, 7(2), 247–261. https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs20162.247.261