Campaigning in the Aftermath of the 2020 Elections: A Communications Perspective

211 Pages·2021·1.698 MB·English

by  Robert E. Denton Jr. (editor)

Campaigning in
the Aftermath of
the 2020 Elections

Campaigning in
the Aftermath of
the 2020 Elections
A Communications Perspective
Edited by
Robert E. Denton Jr.
ROWMAN & LITTLEFIELD
Lanham • Boulder • New York • London
Published by Rowman & Littlefield
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Copyright © 2022 by The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by
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British Library Cataloguing in Publication Information Available
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
ISBN: 978-1-5381-6125-8 (cloth)
ISBN: 978-1-5381-6126-5 (paperback)
ISBN: 978-1-5381-6127-2 (electronic)
The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of
American National Standard for Information Sciences—Permanence of Paper
for Printed Library Materials, ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992.
This book is dedicated to my dear friend Andrew Vos. He is one of the kind-
est, most charming, and most generous persons I have ever known. He is lov-
ing, caring, and courageous. He adores his family and loves this nation. He is
a fellow veteran and historian of World War II. I was honored when Andrew
and his wife, Laurie, would visit my political communication classes. Our
discussions afterward affirmed my commitment to reach out beyond campus.
He is a New Jersey native who became a genuine Appalachian mountain man.
Over time, he came to understand my North Carolina mountain accent and
appreciated my grandpa’s sayings. The sharing of food, fires, and laughter
has enriched my life. With my love and utmost admiration.

Contents
Contents
Contents
Acknowledgments ix
Preface xi
1 Political Branding and Messaging Strategies in the 2020
Postelection Presidential Campaign 1
Lisa M. Burns and Courtney L. Marchese, Quinnipiac University
2 Argumentation in an Era of Ascending Partisanship 35
Benjamin Voth, Southern Methodist University
3 Media Coverage and the Postelection of 2020 51
Robert E. Denton Jr., Virginia Tech
4 Trump’s Address at the January 6, 2021, “Save America”
Rally: Inciting Insurrection or Protected Speech? 73
W. Wat Hopkins, Virginia Tech
5 Rethinking the “Carnivalesque”: Trump’s Co-opting of a
Counterhegemonic, Counterdiscursive Strategy 91
Theodore F. Sheckels, Randolf-Macon College
6 Political Advertising in the Aftermath of the 2020 Postelection 107
John C. Tedesco, Virginia Tech, and Scott W. Dunn, Radford University
7 Political Cartoons during the 2020 Postelection Phase 125
Natalia Mielczarek, Virginia Tech
8 Litigating Victory: An Analysis of 2020 Postelection Lawsuits 151
Cayce Myers, Virginia Tech
Index 181
About the Contributors 191
vii

Ackowledgments
Acknowledgments
I have had the privilege of editing more than twenty volumes over the years.
I had no intention of editing so many volumes, but they have provided op-
portunities to share many perspectives and ideas from outstanding scholars
within the discipline. Chapters provide snapshots of investigations and stud-
ies of communication. Early on I discovered there were sometimes challenges
working with very smart, busy, and diverse groups of scholars. However,
over the years, I have come to enjoy the process. I am pleased to share that
this project was no exception. This project brought together “new” colleagues
and “old” friends. Once again, the contributors have made this a most reward-
ing and enjoyable endeavor. I genuinely appreciate their participation in this
volume. I also value their friendship.
I want to thank my colleagues in the School of Communication at Vir-
ginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). As now a
long-term administrator of various sorts over the years, I am grateful to my
colleagues for their continued collegiality and encouragement, as well as for
their recognizing the importance of maintaining an active research agenda.
Thanks also to Robert Sumirchrast, dean of the Pamplin College of Busi-
ness, whose support allows my continued association with the Department
of Marketing and the college. I am also most grateful to Lura Belmonte,
dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, who understands
the importance of the “right mix” that makes the job of school director a
privilege and pleasure. I am fortunate, indeed. They both are outstanding
mentors and administrators.
Finally, as always, countless thanks to my wonderful wife, Rachel, a true
blessing, friend, colleague, and partner in my life. She made the pandemic
bearable. And I also must pay homage to my now-grown sons, Bobby and
Chris, who have their own wonderful spouses, Christen and Sarah. The
ix