Rebuttal Analogy in Political Communication: Argument and Attack in Sound Bite

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Abstract
Analogy in its various forms has been central to political philosophy, political reasoning, and political language for centuries. Yet research fails to account fully for its function in political discourse. This article identifies and describes a unique form of analogy- rebuttal analogy- used in the verbal sparring that characterizes modern mediated political discourse. Rebuttal analogy is a tightly constructed linguistic form that serves to counterargue. Its enthymematic structure invites audience participation in a "commonsense" argument. Its structure as a rhetorical device draws on sources of humor to generate audience support while it simultaneously launches an attack on an opponent. Because rebuttal analogy creates a personalized confrontation in just a few words, it meets the requirements of sound bite news. This essay suggests the importance of rebuttal analogy in political communication and recommends further study of the rebuttal analogy.

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