From a government of the people, to a people of the government: Irony as rhetorical strategy in presidential campaigns

Abstract

This essay considers irony as rhetorical strategy in recent presidential campaigns and argues that it promotes identification on the basis of public cynicism toward government, through which people transcend problems of government. The irony in campaign rhetoric is viewed as a response by candidates to the increasing levels of cynicism toward government over the past thirty years. Since the irony used by candidates is cynical as well, candidates exploit the very problem they articulate for themselves and the nation they wish to lead. While this strain of ironic discourse helps challengers overcome incumbents, it also generates public cynicism toward government.