What Is a Partisan Speech?
Partisan speeches typify political rhetoric, especially campaign rhetoric, since they express a partisan, or partial, point of view. Politicians often attack speeches given by their opponents on the grounds that such speeches are partisan, implying that the speeches are not objective but rather politically motivated. Although characterized negatively, partisan speeches befit many situations and serve a political purpose, according to some critics.
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Definition
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When used as an adjective, the term “partisan” means “of, pertaining to, or characteristic of partisans,” “partial to a specific party, person” or “of, pertaining to, or carried on by military partisans or guerrillas,” according to Dictionary.com. To be partisan is to be partial, political, biased or motivated by certain political interests or ideologies. Hence, a partisan speech is a speech that expresses a position, platform or point of view.
Elements of a Partisan Speech
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Partisan speech is not objective, as it advocates and benefits a certain person or party’s perspective on an issue or overall outlook. Often, partisan speeches use political rhetoric, such as talking points, to promote the speaker’s agenda or goal. Partisan speeches tend to diminish opposing points of view, either by directly challenging these points of view or by overlooking them.
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Audience
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Speeches directed at an audience of supporters are traditionally partisan. This is natural, given that the audience shares the speakers points of view. In these kinds of instances, partisan speech serves to rally the spirits supporters and inspire them to action. According to “Political Campaign Communication: Principals and Practices," presidential acceptance speeches have historically been partisan, since they have been delivered to an audience of supporters and campaign workers. However, as acceptance speeches have become more public, being broadcast internationally online and on television and reprinted in newspapers, presidents have tended to use less partisan, more unifying rhetoric in these situations.
Positive or Negative Partisan Rhetoric
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Partisan speeches often, although not necessarily, focus negatively on an opponent or opposing party. For instance, a candidate running for office may give a partisan speech in which he attacks his opponent. However, a speech can be positive and still be partisan. For instance, if a candidate promotes a platform without looking at relevant issues objectively, the speech may be perceived as partisan.
Criticism
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Since they have a tendency to divide people along party lines, partisan speeches are often criticized as divisive and polemical. Critics often accuse politicians of being partisan in speeches, since politicians tend to privilege their own perspective or platform. Despite being partial, partisan speeches have their merits and their uses, according Omar Swartz, author of "In Defense of Partisan Criticism: Communication Studies, Law, and Social Analysis.” Partisan rhetoric may cause conflict, but conflict is often necessary to transform and achieve social change.
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References
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