Fighting Words

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 authorbrings together the man of faith, the astute political leader, and the persuasive speaker. Histreatment 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 thespeeches 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 producingeffective persuasive speeches, the author provides standards with which to appraise politicalleaders' 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 intelligencestheory. Highlighting George W's transformation into an effective persuasive speaker are discussions ofhis two distinct verbal styles; his rhetorical asset of humor; his dominant themes of value; andhis speech delivery.