The Civil Rights Rhetoric of Hubert H. Humphrey, 1948-1964

This book offers a comprehensive examination of Hubert Humphrey’s civil rights rhetoric. The editor showcases Humphrey’s civil rights speeches from 1948 to 1964, most of which have never been published. Because it was common for Humphrey to use speeches containing similar strains of thought in a given month or year, the speeches in this text will provide a sound representation of all of Huphrey’s speeches during this period. The study begins with Humphrey’s first national plea to the 1948 Democratic National Convention. Next, readers are taken through Humphrey’s entrance into the U.S. Senate, and his asking for national morality and national action. Humphrey’s remarks exemplify his development of national arguments in support of the 1964 Civil Rights Amendment and his ideas for the direction of this movement. Comments by Humphrey and others are included in order to provide additional framework for the study of his rhetoric. This thoroughly edited and carefully selected set of essays will enlighten readers to one of the greatest accomplishments of Humphrey’s public life-his contribution to civil rights. This book will appeal to students and scholars of rhetoric, speech communication, political science and history.