Fighting Words: How George W. Bush’s Leadership and Speaking Countered Opposition and Confronted Terrorism

In Fighting Words, an interesting and provocative picture of George W. Bush emerges, very different from the one often presented in the press. Drawing on extensive research, the author brings together the man of faith, the astute political leader, and the persuasive speaker. His treatment credits the President with positive attributes and domestic and international accom- plishments. The book takes the view that what we know about President Bush generally comes through the speeches that we hear him give, beginning with his spontaneous, incisive remarks at Ground Zero. By focusing on truth as a vital sign of viable political rhetoric, and giving a formula for producing effective persuasive speeches, the author provides standards with which to appraise political leaders’ rhetoric. An analysis of George W’s credibility as a leader uses the researched traits of competent, forward- looking, inspiring, and honest. His intelligence is appraised on the basis of multiple intelligences theory. Highlighting George W’s transformation into an effective persuasive speaker are discussions of his two distinct verbal styles; his rhetorical asset of humor; his dominant themes of value; and his speech delivery.