Persuasive Attacks on Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Primary

Benoit and Glantz provide a detailed and thoroughly supported analysis that both clarifies and expands persuasive attack as a theoretical framework, while providing critical insight into Donald Trump’s durability as a presidential candidate. -- Timothy L. Sellnow, University of Central Florida
This insightful and timely analysis by Benoit and Glantz demonstrates the importance of rhetorical criticism in contemporary political processes. Their exploration of the range of attacks associated with Mr. Trump expands our understanding of this genre of rhetoric and establishes new directions for inquiry. Benoit and Glantz bring an innovative, contemporary and engaging lens to their analysis. -- Matthew W. Seeger, Wayne State University
While seemingly esoteric, uncovering the nature and function of attacks writ large from a field of candidates directed at one particular candidate helps us understand presidential elections all the better. This volume reveals how a cadre of seasoned politicians attempted, unsuccessfully, to reduce voter preference for a surging yet unorthodox candidate. As the 2016 election will be studied broadly, this book provides a much-needed scholarly explanation of the first part of the season and process. -- Joseph R. Blaney, Illinois State University