I did it!
My book “Political Rhetoric, Social Media, and American Presidential Campaigns” was released on December 15.
Yes, you can buy the book now!
Rowman.com has a holiday sale, and you can purchase my book for 35% off the listed price. Use coupon code: HOLIDAY20
After the holidays, you can use this coupon code for 30% off the listed price: LEX30AUTH21
I have anticipated this moment to say YOU CAN BUY MY BOOK! A book about politics and social media. The title says exactly what the book is about. The cover photo, I think, says exactly what I want you to think before you even open to the first page.
This book is aimed to help anyone paying attention to recent political news understand how technology is changing political messaging strategy and public opinion.
I start with a history lesson for readers to understand the impact media has had on past campaigns. Then I move on to analyze and discuss the impact in recent election cycles, 2008-2016.
2020 you will have to wait a minute. I need to catch my breath!
The fast pace of technological advancements has left all of us a little off-kilter, wondering, “What is happening?”
All while the words and pictures that cross our handheld screens may or may not be truthful. Journalism is under attack. Truth is under attack. What can we, as digital citizens do?
We can become informed and enlightened that indeed words matter. Truth matters. This book allows us to take a step back and look at presidential campaigns’ media messaging strategies.
This book is an observation—a call for all of us to take action in using social media with intention.
You can preview the book on Google Books.
Reviews of “Political Rhetoric, Social Media, and American Presidential Campaigns”:
Finally a comprehensive look at the massive changes in politics and political coverage that link Abraham Lincoln to what we see today. How technology, the race to “break news” and a growing public preference for being entertained rather than enlightened have combined to bring us what we mistake for being an “informed” citizen in 2020. This is a must read for a public clamoring for an understanding of the increasingly rapid changes in our political process and journalists searching for how technology is changing the ground beneath their feet. There is something here for every citizen taking the time to read it. Forget the fireside chat, the Kennedy-Nixon debates and the 2016 race for President that left the media professionals scratching their heads. Dr. Johnson reminds us of how even Abraham Lincoln understood the important roles image and quickly adapting to new communication technology play in successful governing and what is necessary for our regaining some measure of control over a seemingly faltering republic.
Dr. John McCaa, Texas Journalist and Commentator
This book is more than just a reflection on 21 st century political campaigns and the role social media has played in it. Because past is prologue, Dr. Janet Johnson situates contemporary campaigning in an historical context for the reader. She reminds us about the range of approaches taken in America’s political campaigns, from George Washington’s non-campaign strategy to Abraham Lincoln’s use of the telegraph and “new” media, to the influence of Twitter on the 2016 election of Donald Trump. Using this insight alongside her background in rhetoric and journalism, Janet deftly examines how President Barack Obama ushered in a new approach to digital campaigning that revolutionized how modern political
campaigns are run. With in-depth analysis and the passion only one who loves politics can
exude, chapters on President Obama, Mitt Romney, Hillary Clinton, and President Trump
explore the rhetorical approaches that social media has influenced political strategy and
public opinion. This book is designed for fans of political history, practitioners of journalism,
teachers of campaign rhetoric, and students of digital media. It’s also a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how social media has shaped the way we think and act in all things politics.Alec R. Hosterman, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Communication Studies
Longwood University
Political Rhetoric, Social Media, and American President Campaigns skillfully unfolds the tale of technology’s impact on U.S. presidential campaigns. From train stops to hashtags, Dr. Janet Johnson guides readers through decades of political communication in a well-researched and approachable style. Rich with example tweets and messaging from recent campaigns, the book analyzes how candidates have (and have not) adapted their rhetoric for the social media landscape. “The goal of an online campaign is to expand the soundbite, so the campaign, not the media, controls the rhetorical situation” (p. 93). Armed with actual messages, Dr. Johnson illustrates her thesis, and gives readers the tools to draw their conclusions. With its fusion of history, politics, and media, Political Rhetoric, Social Media, and American President Campaigns is a great option for courses in media and politics.
Dr. Sarah Maben
Tarleton State University
