Palin, Bachmann, Tea Party Rhetoric, and American Politics
Julia A. Spiker

Abstract
Sarah Palin’s and Michele Bachmann’s rhetoric influences the Tea Party Movement in different ways. Palin’s rhetoric unites the Tea Party supporters and propagates the Tea Party vision for America. Bachmann’s rhetoric presents her as not only one of the Tea Partiers but also as their leader in her unsuccessful bid for the U.S. presidency in 2012. Their rhetorical leadership in tandem transforms the Tea Party from a vague set of ideologies to a movement with influence. Palin’s and Bachmann’s speeches, interviews and media coverage are examined in order to gain a better understanding of the Tea Party Movement’s momentum in American politics.

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