On Deaf Ears: The Limits of the Bully Pulpit. By George C.
Edwards, III. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003. 320p. $35.00.
The funeral of Ronald Reagan marked a celebration not only of the
president's political accomplishments but also of the idea that
the core of presidential leadership is mastery of the bully pulpit.
Published shortly after Reagan was laid to rest, Bill Clinton's
autobiography also reflects our modern preoccupation with rhetorical
leadership. Clinton credits many of his political victories—most
notably fending off an impeachment charge—to the power of
rhetorical appeals. He also attributes many of his failures to an
inability to communicate effectively. George Edwards thinks that
Reagan, Clinton, and the conventional wisdom they exemplify are just
plain wrong. In a thorough and forcefully articulated study, Edwards
argues that public opinion is never altered by presidential speech.
Efforts to advance a president's political agenda through
rhetorical appeals over the heads of Congress to the people are futile
wastes of time and energy.