God Wills It is a comprehensive study of presidential religious
rhetoric. Using careful analysis of hundreds of transcripts, David
O'Connell reveals the hidden strategy behind presidential religious
speech. He asks when and why religious language is used, and when
it is, whether such language is influential.
Case studies explore the religious arguments presidents have
made to defend their decisions on issues like defense spending,
environmental protection, and presidential scandals. O'Connell
provides strong evidence that when religious rhetoric is used
public opinion typically goes against the president, the media
reacts harshly to his words, and Congress fails to do as he wants.
An experimental chapter casts even further doubt on the
persuasiveness of religious rhetoric.
God Wills It shows that presidents do not talk this way because
they want to. Presidents like Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush
were quite uncomfortable using faith to promote their agendas. They
did so because they felt they must. God Wills It shows that even if
presidents attempt to call on the deity, the more important
question remains: Will God come when they do?
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