The Uses of Political Speech

The Plot Against America

Public rhetoric alternately reassures, legitimizes prejudice, raises alarms, and helps restore constitutional government.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Lindbergh’s Simple Slogan Lindbergh’s Simple Slogan from "The Plot Against America". Lindbergh’s Simple Slogan A reassuring choice Charles A. Lindbergh reduces the election to a choice between himself and war.

Lindbergh’s Simple Slogan from "The Plot Against America". Lindbergh’s Simple Slogan A reassuring choice Charles A. Lindbergh reduces the election to a choice between himself and war.

Lindbergh’s Simple Slogan A reassuring choice Charles A. Lindbergh reduces the election to a choice between himself and war. The slogan turns neutrality into a promise of safety and avoids confronting the costs of accommodation. Rhetoric as power Its simplicity makes a complex danger politically attractive.

Bengelsdorf’s Defense Bengelsdorf’s Defense from "The Plot Against America". Bengelsdorf’s Defense Legitimacy through a rabbi Lionel Bengelsdorf tells audiences that Lindbergh’s actions are compatible with Jewish loyalty and American…

Bengelsdorf’s Defense Legitimacy through a rabbi Lionel Bengelsdorf tells audiences that Lindbergh’s actions are compatible with Jewish loyalty and American democracy. His religious authority reassures non-Jewish voters and divides Jewish listeners. Speech as permission The novel shows how a trusted voice can make prejudice easier to overlook.

Winchell’s Alarm Winchell’s Alarm from "The Plot Against America". Winchell’s Alarm Warning as performance Walter Winchell uses radio and print to expose anti-Semitism and attack the administration.

Winchell’s Alarm from "The Plot Against America". Winchell’s Alarm Warning as performance Walter Winchell uses radio and print to expose anti-Semitism and attack the administration.

Winchell’s Alarm Warning as performance Walter Winchell uses radio and print to expose anti-Semitism and attack the administration. His vivid language keeps danger in public view, but opponents portray it as panic-making. A contested messenger His credibility and excesses become inseparable from the warnings he delivers.

La Guardia’s Eulogy La Guardia’s Eulogy from "The Plot Against America". La Guardia’s Eulogy A public indictment At Walter Winchell’s funeral, Fiorello La Guardia contrasts the murdered dissenter with Lindbergh’s admired public…

La Guardia’s Eulogy from "The Plot Against America". La Guardia’s Eulogy A public indictment At Walter Winchell’s funeral, Fiorello La Guardia contrasts the murdered dissenter with Lindbergh’s admired public…

La Guardia’s Eulogy A public indictment At Walter Winchell’s funeral, Fiorello La Guardia contrasts the murdered dissenter with Lindbergh’s admired public image. His question, Where Is Lindbergh?, turns presidential silence into evidence of political failure. Grief becomes argument The funeral uses public mourning to challenge a national narrative.

Anne’s Constitutional Appeal Anne’s Constitutional Appeal from "The Plot Against America". Anne’s Constitutional Appeal A competing public voice Anne Morrow Lindbergh broadcasts a measured demand for lawful process and the release of political…

Anne’s Constitutional Appeal from "The Plot Against America". Anne’s Constitutional Appeal A competing public voice Anne Morrow Lindbergh broadcasts a measured demand for lawful process and the release of political…

Anne’s Constitutional Appeal A competing public voice Anne Morrow Lindbergh broadcasts a measured demand for lawful process and the release of political detainees. Her appeal invokes constitutional authority against Wheeler’s emergency claims. Words restore possibility Speech that once concealed danger now helps reopen a route to democratic government.

summer 1940

October 1940

1940 through summer 1942

October 6, 1942

October 16, 1942