No Middle Ground: Demagogic Rhetorical Practices at the Truth and Courage Bus Stop in Harlingen, TX

Author

Kymberly O. Morquecho, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

First Advisor

Dr. Randall Monty

Second Advisor

Dr. Sarah Warren-Riley

Third Advisor

Dr. Maggie Shelledy

Abstract

This thesis examines the rhetorical and discursive strategies embraced by conservative politicians and their supporters on the campaign trail. Using Dr. Patricia Roberts-Miller’s definition of demagogic cultures coupled with the five markers, or tendencies, of these cultures, I explore how the speakers at the October 22, 2022 Truth and Courage PAC campaign rally in Harlingen, TX deployed these tactics to galvanize voters to vote for TX-34 Republican candidate Mayra Flores. Through a combination of descriptive and rhetorical analysis, I demonstrate how these presenters engage in demagogic and anti-democratic rhetorical moves to an audience of Hispanics. Lastly, I outline how these moves may act as an accelerants for white supremacy.

Comments

Copyright 2023 Kymberly O. Morquecho. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/no-middle-ground-demagogic-rhetorical-practices/docview/2844597086/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Morquecho, Kymberly O., "No Middle Ground: Demagogic Rhetorical Practices at the Truth and Courage Bus Stop in Harlingen, TX" (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 1243.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1243