Framing the Debate: Famous Presidential Speeches and How Progressives Can Use Them to Change the Conversation (And Win Elections) (Paperback)

by Jeffrey Feldman (Author), George Lakoff (Introduction)
Key Phrases: war message, progressive framers, framing lessons, President Bush, United States, Great Society (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

"Frames are mental structures that shape the way we see the world. . . . When you hear a word, its frame is activated in your brain. . . . In politics our frames shape our social policies. . . . Because language activates frames, new language is required for new frames."-George Lakoff

For decades, the powerful communications machine of the conservative movement has controlled our national political discourse. One of the biggest obstacles to progressive victory has been seeing what American political speech looks like when it is not "framed" by the Republican noise machine.

Framing the Debate: Famous Presidential Speeches and How Progressives Can Use Them to Change the Conversation (and Win Elections) is about unleashing the power of communication in contemporary progressive politics. The book presents fifteen key speeches by American presidents-George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George Bush-in order to define the big ideas and images-the "frames"-that each speech evokes to show how those framing techniques can be applied to today's political debate in order promote a progressive perspective.

An essential book in today's political climate, Framing the Debate will be instrumental in helping to reshape progressive political language and rhetoric.

An expert on speeches and messaging, Jeffrey Feldman is the editor in chief of the influential political blog Frameshop (www.frameshopisopen.com). He also has a weekly segment on The Thom Hartmann Show on Air America, and travels the country offering seminars on language and progressive politics.

About the Author
Jeffrey Feldman, Ph.D. is a cultural anthropologist and the Editor-in-Chief of the influential political blog Frameshop(www.frameshopisopen.com). An expert on speeches and messaging, he has a weekly segment on The Thom Hartmann Show, and travels the country offering seminars on language and progressive politics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Ig Publishing; 1st Pbk. Ed edition (April 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977197298
• ISBN-13: 978-0977197293
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #160,229 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reading great speeches, April 9, 2007

By	Aldon Hynes "Orient Lodge Blogger" (Woodbridge, CT) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Jeffrey Feldman's book Framing the Debate is a wonderful resource for anyone who wants to read great speeches in American history and think about the themes that have helped make our country great.

Whether you simply long for the great speeches in America's past, or long for eloquent leaders to move our country forward and are willing to roll up your sleeves and help candidates become better speakers and clearer thinkers, this is a book you must read.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fresh perspective on a bit of history, April 28, 2007

By	D. Singer - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a must have book. Jeffery Feldman offers new and creative insight into famous speeches of our country's Presidents. Even more than fascinating to read, it opens your eyes to what you hear on the TV and read in papers. Politics and Issues in general are looked at in a new way after reading just part of this book. Democrats and Republicans alike gain new insight into our Presidents.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smart book, changes how you see things, April 29, 2007

By	D. Hoehne - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Every once in a while, I find a book that changes how I see things completely--and this is one of those books. If you've ever watched a TV newscast or listened to a radio broadcast or read a newspaper--this book will suddenly open your eyes. By walking us through some amazingly cool speeches by U.S. Presidents, Feldman turns every reader into what he calls a "framer" of ideas--ordinary people who "drive the debate" by engaging what they hear and then speaking back. Easy to understand and easy to put to use. Everyone should read this.