2.7 Heimler: Presidential Communication

The Bully Pulpit

• The president has the attention of the nation more than any other person/branch

• Informal power of persuasion accomplished through communication with the nation

State of the Union Address

• Required in order to reccomend matters to congress

• Policy recommendations to congress while the nation listens

Technological Changes

• Expanded the president’s platform

• Fireside Chats: FDR used the popularity of the radio to get more people on his side

• Television: popularized presidential debates and changed perception of the winner based on how each candidate looked

• Social Media: allowed president to speak directly to the people without 3rd party mediators